New digging activity at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in northeast North Korea seems to indicate that another possible test of a nuclear detonation may occur within months. Several tunnels are being excavated in the same area where previous tests in 2006 and 2009 occurred. Activity at this site was reported in October of last year as well.
North Korea is also nearing completion of a more sophisticated intercontinental ballistic missile launch facility. The new facility, in North Pyongan province, is alleged to be far superior in utility to its predecessor Musudan-ri. Capabilities include an underground fueling facility, and rail-track missile loading system for fast deployment of missiles without satellite surveillance from its opponents. Also unlike the eastern launch site, a US/SK airstrike on the facility would likely cause Chinese outrage, as the facility is just 70km from the North Korea/Chinese border.
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has stated that the North Koreans could have long range ICBM capability within 5 years, which could theoretically mean a nuclear missile could be sent as far away at the United States. A third nuclear test could be just the provocation North Korea is seeking in order to bring about a resumption to Six Party Talks, and resume food and material aid that a starving and economically sanctioned North Korean population desperately needs in this particularly harsh winter.
For more information about the new missile facility, check out Global Security’s highly detailed summary.
Source: The Chosun Ilbo / Yonhap
