North Korea, UN: “Pyongyang prepares nuclear test”

The United Nations has warned that North Korea is preparing to carry out the first nuclear test since 2017, according to a confidential report accessed by the Dpa. In recent months, construction works have been observed in the underground center of Punggye Ri, in the north of the country, paving the way for “more nuclear tests”, the UN details. Satellite images from the location indicate that Pyongyang is repairing the tunnel network, which was demolished in 2019 after a historic summit with the US. According to the UN report, which covers the activities of the last few months, the production capacity of fissile material has grown in the Yongbyon nuclear power plant. Observers have feared for months that, after North Korea’s numerous missile tests, the country’s first nuclear test in nearly five years is imminent. The IAEA has emphasized since June that there has been activity in Punggye Ri, where North Korea carried out six test atomic explosions between 2006 and 2017. Although the Security Council has increased sanctions, North Korea has defended the increase of its nuclear and military capacity, arguing that it must defend itself against what it considers provocative moves by South Korea and the United States.