Preparations in �final stages� for N Korea nuke test: Report

AFP, SEOUL: A surge in activity at North Korea’s atomic test site suggests preparations for a fifth nuclear test are in their final stages, possibly before a key political event in early May, South Korean media reported Sunday.
The frequency of vehicle, workforce and equipment movements at the Punggye-ri site have “increased two to threefold,” since last month, Yonhap news agency said, citing multiple government sources. Officials believe the trucks seen moving in and out of the complex are likely carrying nuclear technicians. “If they are signs of nuclear test preparations, it seems the preparations are in the final stages,” Yonhap quoted one government source as saying.
North Korea is gearing up for a rare and much-hyped ruling party congress early next month, at which leader Kim Jong-Un is expected to take credit for pushing the country’s nuclear weapons programme to new heights.
Numerous analysts have suggested the regime might carry out a fifth nuclear test as a display of defiance and strength just before the congress opens.

 

Preparations in �final stages� for N Korea nuke test: Report

AFP, SEOUL: A surge in activity at North Koreas atomic test site suggests preparations for a fifth nuclear test are in their final stages, possibly before a key political event in early May, South Korean media reported Sunday. The frequency of vehicle, workforce and equipment movements at the Punggye-ri site have increased two to threefold, since last month, Yonhap news agency said, citing multiple government sources. Officials believe the trucks seen moving in and out of the complex are likely carrying nuclear technicians. If they are signs of nuclear test preparations, it seems the preparations are in the final stages, Yonhap quoted one government source as saying. North Korea is gearing up for a rare and much-hyped ruling party congress early next month, at which leader Kim Jong-Un is expected to take credit for pushing the countrys nuclear weapons programme to new heights. Numerous analysts have suggested the regime might carry out a fifth nuclear test as a display of defiance and strength just before the congress opens.