North Korea 'could have biological weapons including plague and smallpox'

North Korea could be developing biological weapons using microbes such as smallpox and the plague, a report has warned.

A report by the Belfer Centre warned that it is likely that Pyongyang is developing biological weapons which could kill tens of thousands and paralyse societies in panic.

The report warns that the rogue state may have been developing weapons for decades, after a programme in the 60s initiated by then-dictator Kim Il-Sung.

MORE: Labour MP on Women’s and Equalities committee apologises for saying Girls Aloud should have an orgy with him
MORE: Tired driver had a ‘mini-sleep’ before four-carriage train crashed into buffers at Kings Cross station

The report warns, ‘According to a South Korean Defense White Paper, North Korea began
weaponizing biological agents in the 1980s.

‘Furthermore, it is known that North Korea’s soldiers are vaccinated against smallpox, suggesting either an interest in an offensive BW program or a biodefense precaution.’

The report says that while North Korea has been open about its nuclear ambitions, it has remained quiet about any biological programmes.

The report says that intelligence reports from multiple countries suggest that North Korea may be cultivating several pathogens.

The Belfer researchers say, ‘a reasonable assessment is that North Korea has the capability to cultivate and produce biological weapons.

‘North Korea is assumed to have several pathogens in possession. The 2000 ROK Defense White Paper mentions anthrax and smallpox most frequently. Since 2012, the plague (Yersinia pestis) and others have been on the list as well.’