UPDATE - North Korea publicly discloses uranium enrichment facility for 1st time

CHANGES DECK, LEDE, ADDS DETAILS

By Riyaz ul Khaliq and Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - North Korea has publicly disclosed an uranium enrichment facility for the first time, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, as leader Kim Jong Un called for an expansion of the country's nuclear capabilities.

During a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute and a production base for "weapon-grade nuclear materials," Kim emphasized the need to increase the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment, aiming to exponentially boost the production of nuclear weapons for self-defense, North Korean state media reported Friday.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not provide the exact location or date of the inspection but said that Kim’s visit was part of plans to enhance the country's nuclear deterrence.

Kim also oversaw military special forces exercises.