North Korea preparing for its first nuclear test since 2017
The experts estimate the test could occur between May and September
North Korea is making preparations for its first nuclear test since 2017, the Financial Times reported on Friday citing the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
New satellite images of a nuclear facility at the Punggye-ri test site suggest that “preparations are well under way,” the newspaper said. The images revealed the construction of buildings, movement of construction materials and an increase in equipment and supplies in an area close to the nuclear test site, the FT reported. The authors of the study cited by the newspaper estimate the test could occur between May and September.
On September 3, 2017, when the republic conducted its last nuclear test, a compact hydrogen bomb that an intercontinental ballistic missile can carry was detonated. The Japanese Defense Ministry estimated that the bomb had an explosive yield of 70 kilotons, while South Korea said it was 100 kilotons.
Japanese and South Korean experts agreed though that that was North Korea’s most powerful nuclear test ever.
