North Korea Uses Balloons to Recover Damaged Warship After Failed Launch

North Korea is actively attempting to salvage a 5,000-ton naval destroyer that was damaged during its launch last week, an incident that has embarrassed leader Kim Jong Un. Satellite imagery shows several balloons and steel cables being used to stabilize and lift the partially submerged vessel, as efforts continue to pump water from flooded compartments to restore its balance. North Korean state media downplayed the severity of the damage, claiming no holes were found and that repairs would be completed within approximately ten days, although Western analysts remain skeptical about this optimistic timeline. The accident, labeled a "criminal act" by Kim, has led to the arrest of four officials believed responsible for the mishap, highlighting internal accountability measures. The ship was intended as a symbol of North Korea's naval modernization amid regional tensions but now represents a significant setback. Despite the damage, North Korea insists that repair efforts are proceeding according to schedule, as the government prepares for an upcoming political meeting.