Signs detected of possible N. Korean preparation for another nuclear test

While not conclusive, the institute said the presence of vehicles could indicate North Korea is preparing to conduct a sixth nuclear test, as they “could be involved in the installation of instrumentation or even a nuclear device.” (Photo: Roman Harak/ Flickr)

WASHINGTON–Satellite surveillance of North Korea’s nuclear test site suggests Pyongyang may be preparing to test another nuclear explosive device, a US institute monitoring the site said Saturday.

“Commercial satellite imagery of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site indicates the presence of possibly four or five vehicles or trailers at the entrance” to the site, the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said on its 38 North website.

While not conclusive, the institute said the presence of vehicles could indicate North Korea is preparing to conduct a sixth nuclear test, as they “could be involved in the installation of instrumentation or even a nuclear device.”