North Korea has 'probably' developed mini nuclear devices to fit into missile warheads - UN report

North Korea has “probably” developed miniaturised nuclear devices to fit into the warheads of its ballistic missile, according to a confidential UN report.

The rogue state's past six nuclear tests had likely helped it develop such devices, the report by an independent panel of experts said. Pyongyang has not conducted a nuclear test since September 2017.

The interim report was submitted to the 15-member UN Security Council North Korea sanctions committee on Monday.

"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is continuing its nuclear program, including the production of highly enriched uranium and construction of an experimental light water reactor. A Member State assessed that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is continuing production of nuclear weapons," the report said.

North Korea is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said last week there would be no more war as the country's nuclear weapons guarantee its safety and future despite unabated outside pressure and military threats.

The UN report said one country, which it did not identify, assessed that North Korea "may seek to further develop miniaturisation in order to allow incorporation of technological improvements such as penetration aid packages or, potentially, to develop multiple warhead systems."

North Korea has been subjected to UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Mr Kim and US President Donald Trump have met three times since 2018, but failed to make progress on calls for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons and North Korea's demands for an end to sanctions.

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