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North Korea’s nuclear program could be ready in A YEAR
It was thought the nuclear missile development could take up to the three years, but a Seoul official warned this may no longer be the case.
South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon said: “They are developing their nuclear capabilities faster than expected and we cannot rule out the possibility Pyongyang may declare the completion of their nuclear programme in a year.”
READ MORE: World War 3 fears as North Korea set for missile launch in ‘NEXT FEW DAYS’ warns Japan
Pyongyang remains under close observation from the US and South Korea after speculation Kim Jong-un may test another missile in the “next few days”.
Japan claims to have detected radio signals suggesting North Korea is preparing for a ballistic missile launch. They warn a test could be carried out in days.
North Korea has refrained from provocations for about 70 days since its launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan on September 15.
But the hermit state has been threatening another missile test after a series of provocative launches earlier this year sparked mass hysteria across the globe.
And both Washington and South Korea admitted they are closely watching Kim’s regime after a Seoul minister noted the rogue nation has been carrying out fuel tests.
South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon told reporters on Tuesday there have been “noteworthy” movements from the North since its last missile launch in mid-September, but there was no hard evidence of another test.
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Japan claims to have detected radio signals suggesting North Korea could launch a test
Mr Cho at a media event in Seoul: “North Korea hasn’t been engaging in new nuclear or missile tests but recently we’ve seen them persistently testing engines and carrying out fuel tests.
“But we need some more time to see whether these are directly related to missile and nuclear tests.”
A Seoul source added, in recent weeks, signs of brisk activity have been detected at North Korean missile bases.
A statement said: ”More monitoring is needed to gauge whether the North is trying to launch a missile or is preparing for winter training that starts in December.”
And Army Colonel Roh Jae-cheon, spokesman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, added: “The South Korean military is closely monitoring and tracking possible North Korean provocations in collaboration with the US.”
North Korea are developing their nuclear capabilities faster than expected and we cannot rule out the possibility Pyongyang may declare the completion of their nuclear programme in a year
Other US intelligence officials, however, noted North Korea has previously sent deliberately misleading signs of preparations for missile and nuclear tests, in part to mask real preparations, and also to test Washington’s intelligence on its activities.
As satellite images have not shown a missile or a movable launch pad, the signs may also be related to its winter military training, a source added.
Asked about the media reports, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Robert Manning told reporters the United States continued to watch North Korea very closely.
He said: ”This is a diplomatically led effort at this point, supported by military options.
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North Korea launched a missile over Japan earlier this year
“The Republic of Korea and US alliance remains strong and capable of countering any North Korean provocations or attacks.”
The potential launch comes months after two missiles flew directly over Japanese territory, terrifying citizens and sparking a round of worldwide condemnations and sanctions.
One Japanese diplomat warned this week radio signals detected from the hermit state indicated another test is close.
Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported late on Monday Tokyo was on high alert after catching such radio signals, suggesting a launch could come in a few days.
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North Korea has refrained from provocations for about 70 days
North Korea is pursuing its nuclear weapons and missile programmes in defiance of United Nations’ Security Council sanctions and has made no secret of its plans to develop a missile capable of hitting the US mainland.
It has fired two missiles over Japan this year.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing a South Korean government source, also reported that intelligence officials of the United States, South Korea and Japan had recently detected signs of a possible missile launch and have been on high alert.
North Korea defends its weapons programmes as a necessary defence against Washington plans to invade. The United States, which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean war, denies any such intention.