Josh Smith

SEOUL (Reuters). Despite fears that North Korea could resume major weapon testing, U.S.-based analysts have shown commercial satellite imagery showing construction at North Korea’s nuclear test site.

Satellite images captured Friday morning showed signs of activity, with construction and repair work on one building and possibly some sawdust and lumber, according to experts at California’s James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Strategies (CNS).

According to the report, “Construction and repairs indicate that North Korea has taken a decision regarding the status of the site.”

Punggye-ri was shut down in 2018 after North Korea declared an unofficial moratorium on any further nuclear weapon tests. However, Leader Kim Jong Un has stated that he doesn’t feel bound by the moratorium because denuclearisation negotiations are in stalemate.

North Korea claimed that the country was closing down the site’s tunnels using explosions. They also blocked its entrances and removed all observation and research facilities. While it invited some foreign media to witness the demolition, North Korea refused to let international inspectors.

South Korea’s National Security Council announced that they are more attentively watching North Korea and its missile-related facilities after Sunday’s ninth North Korean missile launch. However, it did not provide any further details.

CNS analysts stated that Punggye’s changes have occurred in just a few days. It is difficult to determine what exactly is happening or why.

The report stated that “One possibility” was North Korea’s plan to return the site to readiness for nuclear explosive testing.

CNS analysts warned that new nuclear explosions are still months away from the site.

They wrote that North Korea’s ability to resume nuclear testing at this site would depend on how damaged the tunnels are. This is something they don’t know with certainty. There is also the possibility that North Korea may resume nuclear testing in another place.

Punggye Ri is North Korea’s sole known site for nuclear testing. From 2006 to 2017, it conducted six nuclear weapon tests at Punggye-ri through tunnels.

Negotiations to convince North Korea of its long-range nuclear missiles and nukes have stagnated since 2019.

While the United States claims it is willing to negotiate without conditions, North Korea insists that Washington and its allies should stop “hostile” policies.