North Korea’s nuclear test site at Punggye-ri is in \u00ab\u00a0standby status.\u00a0\u00bb<\/b>
\nJune 14 (UPI) — North Korea ‘s nuclear test site at Punggye-ri is in \u00ab\u00a0standby status\u00a0\u00bb and the country could conduct its sixth nuclear test at any time, according to U. S. analysts.
Writing for 38 North, a Johns Hopkins University website dedicated to North Korea issues, analysts Frank V. Pabian, Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., and Jack Liu write that while there is no \u00ab\u00a0unusual observable activity, \u00a0\u00bb more tests are possible \u00ab\u00a0any time the North Korean leadership makes the decision to conduct them.\u00a0\u00bb
The analysts say satellite images tell a different story than reports of \u00ab\u00a0intensified\u00a0\u00bb activity at the North Korean nuclear test site.
The Asahi Shimbun quoted sources on Sunday who said preparations at Punggye-ri \u00ab\u00a0match those of past occasions before North Korea conducted a nuclear test.\u00a0\u00bb
But Pabian, Bermudez and Liu said the North Portal of Punggye-ri shows \u00ab\u00a0few signs of new activity other than water being drained from [the] portal, \u00a0\u00bb while there is \u00ab\u00a0no discernible new spoil present on the spoil pile.\u00a0\u00bb
The area may also not be occupied by North Korean personnel who support nuclear testing work, as \u00ab\u00a0clearly identifiable vehicles or personnel are not present in either the upper or lower courtyards in this area.\u00a0\u00bb
But new construction continues south of the main area, and a roof is \u00ab\u00a0nearly complete and fully covered with wood sheathing\u00a0\u00bb for a \u00ab\u00a0replacement support building.\u00a0\u00bb
The site is ready for a test, but the next action depends on Kim Jong Un ‘s directive, according to the report.<\/p>\n

\n

Sentiment rank: 1.9<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

TW posts: 4<\/div>\n

TW reposts: 0<\/div>\n

TW likes: 0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n