Panama Searches North Korean Ship, Finds MiG Fighter Jets [Video]

Panama has found two MiG fighter jets on a North Korean vessel stopped last week. The ship’s cargo is believed to be from Cuba, where it last docked.

Officials also found two missile radar systems stored next to the fighter jets, reports Euronews.

After stopping the vessel last week, officials in Panama have been carefully searching for illegal weapons. Trying to pass through the Panama Canal, the North Korean ship was boarded by security forces after suspicious behavior from the captain.

Listed as a cargo ship carrying sugar, authorities soon found the ship was carrying much more. The first search found the ship to be holding missile systems. Panama’s president, Ricardo Martinelli, tweeted pictures of the arms last week as he helped with inspections.

North Korea has demanded Panama release the Chong Chon Gang, but President Martinelli has said that he intends to hold the vessel until inspections are complete. He has also contacted the United Nations Security Council to seek advice. A UN team is expected to visit the vessel in early August. They will determine whether or not laws have been broken.

Panama has also been in contact with Cuba, where the ship last docked. Yahoo! News reports that Cuba has also asked the vessel be released. Their officials have not denied the contents of the seized cargo boat, saying that the weapons are “obsolete” and are being sent to North Korea for repair.

Cuba has also handed over a list of items on the ship, which included the two MiG fighter jets. An official in Panama investigating the ship says nothing has been found that is not on the list. He added that the jets smelled strongly of gasoline which means they were likely used recently.

So far the ship and its 35 member crew are in custody. Panama says they do not intend to release the possibly illegal contents and crew back to North Korea until UN officials have investigated.

[Image via bibiphoto / Shutterstock.com]