Satellite images reveal North Korea may be preparing another missile test

NEW satellite images show recent activity at North Korea’s Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, sparking concerns that another launch may be imminent.

Satellite images show activity at North Korea’s nuclear test site, sparking concerns that another missile launch is imminent. Picture: DigitalGlobe/38 North via Getty Images

SATELLITE images show increased tunnelling at North Korea’s secret nuclear site — indicating that the crackpot country could be preparing another nuke test.

The aerial pictures show the “tunnel excavation” at the Punggye-ri facility’s west portal has been “stepped up”, reports 38North which documents the rogue state’s military operations.

The underground base, which is carved into a mountain in the country’s northeast, has been the site of North Korea’s last five nuclear tests, The Sun reports.

The images also show increased activity at the south of the site, which could also indicate that another nuke test is imminent.

Large numbers of personnel have been observed at the nuclear facility. Picture: DigitalGlobe/38 North via Getty Images

“Throughout December 2017, mining carts and personnel were consistently present around the West Portal and there was significant expansion of the spoil pile,” reported 38 North.

The report continues: “On December 28, there were also a large number of personnel (100 to 200) observed in seven different formations whose purpose is unknown in the Southern Support Area.

“These activities underscore North Korea’s continued efforts to maintain the Punggye-ri site’s potential for future nuclear testing.”

The change in activities can be seen in these satellite images taken of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site on December 2, 2017 and December 28, 2017.

The North Portal remains dormant with only water draining, and the West Portal shows increased signs of tunnel excavation, including new mining cart rails and significant expansion of the spoil pile.

On October 10 last year, a tunnel at the underground nuclear site reportedly collapsed killing up to 200 people.

There has been increased activity at the Southern Support Area. Picture: Google Maps

A North Korean official said the disaster happened during the construction of an underground tunnel, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.

The accident is believed to have been caused by Kim Jong-un’s last nuclear test which weakened the mountain.

It was reported earlier this year that the mountain under which the base is believed to be hidden was at risk of collapsing and leaking radiation into the region.

Experts said if the peak crumbles, clouds of radioactive dust and gas would blanket the region.

The Punggye-ri test site is carved deep into the side of Mount Mantap.

This article was originally published by The Sun and is republished here with permission.