High-level activity spotted at North Korea's nuclear site: 38 North

By Park Sae-jin Posted : July 12, 2016, 08:49 Updated : July 12, 2016, 08:49

[Courtesy of 38North]


A high level of activity has been spotted at the site for North Korea's nuclear test site, but there are no clear signs of preparations for a fresh detonation, the website of a US research institute reported.

Such an activity was spotted specifically at the area where North Korea conducted its nuclear tests in 2013 and 2016, 38 North reported, based on recent satellite imagery.

"What appears to be supplies and/or equipment are stacked on the ground south and southeast of the portal. Additionally, a small vehicle is present at the support building immediately to the south of the portal," it said.

"Several mine ore carts may also be present southeast of the portal, suggesting the tunnel is being actively worked," the website said.

Based on imagery alone, it's not possible to determine whether this activity is for maintenance, excavation or preparation for a fifth nuclear test, it said.

Nevertheless, it is clear that North Korea is ensuring that the facility is in a state of readiness that would allow the conduct of future nuclear tests should the order come from Pyongyang, 38 North said.

North Korea's nuclear and long-range rocket tests this year triggered tough UN sanctions, but leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to step up the development of atomic bombs and rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

South Korea's defense ministry has said Pyongyang could conduct a conventional nuclear test or the underground detonation of a warhead without the use of nuclear materials.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
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