February 12, 2013

North Korean Nuclear Test Imminent?



Photo above from http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1137842/activity-seen-north-korea-atomic-test-site with caption "This January 4 [2013] satellite image shows North Korea's Punggye-ri test facility where roads have been kept clear of snow over the past month. Photo: AP. [article further states] ...The North’s two previous detonations in 2006 and 2009 followed a similar pattern of a missile launch, followed by UN measures, followed by a nuclear test".


Map indicates Phunggye-ri [re] North Korea's 2006 nuclear test site and site of the test (probably) in the next few hours or days. Nearby Kilju was the 2009 test site.

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Separately Agency France Press via The Age, February 12, 2013, reports http://www.theage.com.au/world/n-korea-withdraws-from-nuclear-test-site-20130212-2e9gz.html

"N Korea withdraws from nuclear test site

Seoul: North Korea has pulled manpower and equipment out of its nuclear test site, says a report, which cites the move as a possible sign of an imminent blast.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency says Seoul has been keeping close watch on the underground Punggye-ri nuclear test site, as no movement of manpower and equipment has been observed there since Friday.

The agency quoted an unnamed source as saying the apparent withdrawal could point to a nuclear test being carried out soon.

...Seoul has predicted Pyongyang may carry out its third nuclear test between the end of the holiday and the late leader Kim Jong-il's birthday on February 16, Yonhap said..." WHOLE ARTICLE
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Pete

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