Flashpoints

After Failed Musudan Launch, Will North Korea Conduct a Fifth Nuclear Test?

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Flashpoints

After Failed Musudan Launch, Will North Korea Conduct a Fifth Nuclear Test?

After a failed ballistic missile launch, Kim Jong-un may be looking to test a fifth nuclear device.

After Failed Musudan Launch, Will North Korea Conduct a Fifth Nuclear Test?
Credit: Astrelok / Shutterstock.com

After a failed launch of its BM-25 Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile on Friday, North Korea may be gearing up for a fifth nuclear test. Reports citing South Korean government sources with knowledge of recent activity near North Korea’s nuclear test site, Punggye-ri, said the fifth nuclear test may take place soon. North Korea’s Workers’ Party Congress will convene in May for it’s first meeting in 35 years.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency notes that “a sharp increase in vehicle and human activities at North Korea’s Punggye-ri nuclear test site” have been detected recently.  “Compared to last month, the frequency of vehicle, workforce and equipment movements increased two- to threefold recently,” Yonhap notes, citing “multiple government sources.” “Related officials concluded that it is a convincing sign that North Korea is preparing for its fifth nuclear test, and they are keeping close tabs on the situation,” government sources told Yonhap.

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