North Korea: 'Signs' Nuclear Test Being Prepared

Apr 08, 2013

Tensions are high on the Korean peninsula amid threats from the North

North Korea is showing "signs" it is preparing to carry out a fourth nuclear test, a South Korean minister has said.

Amid media reports of increased activity at the North's main atomic test site, Ryoo Kihl-Jae told parliament: "There are such signs."

The minister declined to comment further.

The JoongAng Ilbo newspaper said intelligence reports had noted a sharp increase in activity at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site since last week.

"We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation, which is very similar to the situation seen ahead of the third nuclear test," the newspaper quoted a senior government official as saying.

"We are trying to figure out whether it is a genuine preparation for a nuclear test or just a ploy to heap more pressure on us and the US," the unnamed official added.

Intelligence reports also suggest Pyongyang has readied two mid-range missiles on mobile launchers on its east coast.

Source: Sky News