Analysis Empty streets suggest North Korea locked down capital for Putin’s state visitSatellite imagery of mostly deserted Pyongyang points to extreme security for summit despite economic disruption Streets across the North Korean capital appeared mostly deserted during a visit by Russian leader Vladimir Putin last week, according to NK Pro analysis of satellite imagery, suggesting authorities implemented extreme security measures during the summit despite the economic disruption they would cause. Planet Labs high-resolution imagery shows few cars and buses on roads throughout a 100 square kilometer (38 square mile) area covering central Pyongyang on the morning of June 19. The imagery also shows crowds of thousands of people filling the streets in pockets around the city, around two hours before they were seen waving to © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. |