A U.S. missile defense site in South Korea was photographed by a North Korean drone last week, according to Seoul's Defense Ministry.
The drone was found on Friday after it crashed near the border between the two countries, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.
The drone had a Sony camera on it with hundreds of pictures, according to South Korean defense officials. It is believed to have crashed due to running out of fuel. South Korea's investigation into the drone is in part determining whether the photos were transmitted back to North Korea before crashing.
While most of the drone's pictures are of less sensitive sites throughout South Korea, such as farmland and housing, ten of the pictures are of American missile launchers and a radar system.
In recent years, North Korea has grown its drone program. South Korean military officials estimate that North Korea possesses around 300 military drones.
Key components of the American Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system, known as THAAD, are in place to protect South Korea from a North Korean missile launch. While some neighboring countries are supportive of the system, China accuses it of being part of a spy program.
