North Korea crisis

Mysterious objects near Kim's ship believed to be balloons

North Korea appears to have placed several balloons next to the warship that was damaged when it was about to be launched in late May, satellite images obtained by CNN show.

The purpose of the objects seen in the images is unclear, but if they are actually balloons, there are two possible explanations, according to retired American captain Carl Schuster.

Balloons could prevent drone surveillance or be used to reduce the load on the part of the ship that is stuck in the dock.

- That is the area that has probably been damaged the most.

The accident has been described as a severe blow to the country's leader Kim Jong-Un, who has promised to punish those responsible.

Expert: North Korea on the verge of a strategic golden age

Cooperation with Russia has been a perfect way for North Korea to circumvent sanctions and realize its military plans, experts tell the New York Times. Kim Jong-Un has apparently gained access to advanced technology in exchange for manpower and artillery shells.

– North Korea appears to be entering a strategic golden age, says defense expert Yang Uk at the Asian Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

The newspaper writes that the extent, however, is unclear and points out that North Korea has failed on several occasions to launch military spy satellites.