US website detects activity at NKorea nuclear test site

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. website that monitors North Korea says satellite imagery shows a high level of activity at the isolated nation's nuclear test site.

The website 38 North said Monday the commercial imagery taken July 7 appears to show supplies or equipment near a tunnel entrance at Punggye-ri (PUNG-gare-ree), where North Korea has conducted four underground nuclear test explosions since 2006. There is also a vehicle at a nearby support building and what may be mine ore carts.

The website says it is unclear whether this activity is for maintenance, excavation or preparation for a fifth nuclear test. It concludes that North Korea is ensuring that the facility is in a state of readiness.

The last test explosion took place in January and drew the toughest international sanctions yet.