Activity seen at North Korean atomic test site

New satellite images reveal ongoing activity at North Korea’s atomic test site, according to a US research institute, as expectation mounts of an imminent nuclear detonation by the isolated state.

The images, as recent as January 23, suggest the facility would be ready to conduct a test “in a few weeks or less” once the order is given, the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University posted on its 38 North website on Sunday.

“Snowfall and subsequent clearing operations as well as tracks in the snow reveal ongoing activity at buildings and on roadways near the possible test tunnel,” it said.

The institute’s analysis followed a series of daily threats from North Korea that it is preparing its third nuclear test in response to UN sanctions imposed on Pyongyang for a long-range rocket launch in December.

In a meeting with top security officials, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered “substantial and high-profile important state measures,” fuelling speculation of an imminent detonation.

Military chief Hyon Yong-chol, the head of the army’s politburo Choe Ryong-hae and spy chief Kim Won-hong attended the meeting, state television reported on Sunday.