North Korea Activity at Nuclear Site Raises Speculation Over New Test Satellite images show vehicles and people around the tunnel entrances of nuclear test site By Alastair Gale

Posted By on October 7th, 2016

http://www.wsj.com/articles/north-korea-activity-at-nuclear-site-raises-speculation-over-new-test-1475811158

New satellite photos show activity at all three of the tunnel complexes at North Korea’s nuclear test site amid speculation that Pyongyang will stage another nuclear test around major national anniversaries in the coming days.

The photos, taken on Oct. 1, show vehicles and people around the tunnel entrances. While activity occasionally takes place at individual portals it is unusual to have activity at all three at once, experts say.

The activity could be for several reasons, including the collection of data from North Korea’s Sept. 9 nuclear test at the site, or preparation for a new test, said Jack Liu, an analyst for the North Korea-focused website 38 North, which first published the photos.

South Korea’s government says North Korea appears ready for another nuclear test whenever the order is given from its leader, Kim Jong Un. Speculation among analysts has centered on two days: the 10th anniversary of North Korea’s first nuclear test on Sunday and the 71st anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers’ Party on Monday.

The West Portal at the nuclear test site shows mining carts nearby and a pile of spoil likely from excavation work. Mr. Liu said the pile doesn’t appear to have grown over the last two months, based on previous satellite images. ENLARGE
The West Portal at the nuclear test site shows mining carts nearby and a pile of spoil likely from excavation work. Mr. Liu said the pile doesn’t appear to have grown over the last two months, based on previous satellite images. Photo: U.S.-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies/Airbus

North Korea has a pattern of staging major events on key anniversaries. The September test was held on the 68th anniversary of North Korea’s founding as a state.

A new nuclear test would likely intensify discussions at the United Nations Security Council on a response to North Korea’s provocations, which also include a long-range rocket launch in February. North Korea is banned from testing nuclear bombs and ballistic missile technology by several U.N. resolutions.

Despite international condemnation, Mr. Kim has pledged to press ahead in developing an advanced nuclear program, which he says is needed to deter an invasion by the U.S. and South Korea. Many analysts say Mr. Kim uses the nuclear buildup to bolster his own standing with North Korea’s military. CONTINUE AT SITE

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