Apr 29, 2020, 11:49 PM

Satellite images increase probability of Kim Jong Un's presence at coastal resort

Satellite images increase probability of Kim Jong Un's presence at coastal resort

TEHRAN, Apr. 29 (MNA) – Recent satellite photos of boats, often used by Kim Jong Un near Wonsan, suggest that the North Korean leader is at the coastal resort.

Reuters quoted experts who monitor the issue on Wednesday.

Kim's whereabouts have been the subject of rampant speculation in recent days.

Speculation about his health and location erupted after his unprecedented absence from April 15 celebrations to mark the birthday of his late grandfather and North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung.

On Tuesday, North Korea-monitoring website NK PRO reported commercial satellite imagery showed boats often used by Kim had made movements in patterns that suggested he or his entourage may be in the Wonsan area.

That followed a report last week by a US-based North Korea monitoring project, 38 North, which reported satellite images showed what was believed to be Kim’s personal train was parked at a station reserved for his use at the villa in Wonsan.

Officials in South Korea and the United States say it is plausible Kim may be staying there, possibly to avoid exposure to the new coronavirus, and have expressed skepticism of media reports he had some kind of serious illness.

They caution, however, that Kim’s health and location are closely guarded secrets and reliable information is difficult to obtain in North Korea.

The last time official media in North Korea reported on Kim’s whereabouts was when he presided over a meeting on April 11, but there have been near-daily reports of him sending letters and diplomatic messages.

MNA/PR

News ID 158180

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