South Korea admitted Tuesday that it is keeping a close eye on North Korea ahead of a possible fifth ever nuclear test by the reclusive state.
The North appears to be getting ready for a follow-up to January鈥檚 fourth test, based on satellite imagery cited by respected American website 38 North.
Observations suggest that North Korea鈥檚 Punggye-ri nuclear test site was a hive of activity as recently as July 7, with a particular focus on the same area that witnessed the country鈥檚 last two tests.
The website鈥檚 analysis stated 鈥渋t 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.鈥�
Such a move would result in even harsher punitive measures than the latest United Nations sanctions imposed on the North in March.
But it would not be a surprise either considering Pyongyang鈥檚 repeated provocations this year and insistence on pursuing both nuclear and economic development.
North Korea was upset by several developments last week, including the United States鈥� decision to sanction leader Kim Jong-un and the announcement by Seoul and Washington that they will deploy a powerful missile defense system, THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), on the peninsula.
South Korea鈥檚 unification ministry concurred that its neighbor could carry out a fifth test at any time.
鈥淭he government is gearing up for the North's possible nuclear test by [closely monitoring the situation] with military assets of South Korea and the U.S.,鈥� a ministry official was quoted as saying by local news agency Yonhap.
By Alex Jensen in Seoul
Anadolu Agency
enerji@aa.com.tr
听