[38 North]
The site for North Korea's underground nuclear test is well maintained, demonstrating its ability to conduct detonations "on short notice by slow rolling preparations", 38 North reported.
But the website of a US research institute ruled out any imminent test, based on recent satellite imagery showing "very limited activity" at Punggye-ri where North Korea has conducted four detonations.
"While there is little evidence of that a test is imminent, the possibility cannot be ruled out since the North has demonstrated the ability to conduct detonations on short notice by slow rolling preparations, masking significant indicators from satellite view," Joseph S. Bermudez said in a report posted on the website.
Two operational areas where a test might be conducted "are clear of snow and well maintained, indicating that they are active", the expert said.
The 38 North report came a day after South Korean President Park Geun-hye warned of a possible nuclear test.
Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun also said Pyongyang could conduct a conventional nuclear test or the underground detonation of a warhead without the use of nuclear materials.
North Korea's nuclear and long-range rocket tests this year triggered tough UN sanctions, but Kim has vowed to step up the development of atomic bombs and rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
