American intelligence officials reported Wednesday that unusual movement had been observed at a suspected North Korean nuclear facility, warning that a weapons test could occur with little or no advance notice.
North Korea announced Tuesday its intention to conduct a nuclear test, framing the decision as necessary to strengthen its deterrence against US pressure and sanctions. A US intelligence official noted that personnel, vehicles, and materials had been detected at one of several possible test sites, though he declined to identify the specific location.
The official cautioned that assessing how close North Korea is to conducting a test was difficult, partly because there is no previous test to use as a benchmark. He also acknowledged the possibility that Pyongyang could be bluffing, saying the decision ultimately rests with leader Kim Jong Il.
A senior State Department official said the announcement itself was the primary new concern, while a defense official noted that speculation about a potential test had circulated for several weeks.
Even if a detonation occurs, analysts noted that North Korea would still need to develop a warhead small enough to mount on a missile. The country's one long-range missile, the Taepodong-2, failed shortly after launch during a July test, leading Pacific commander Admiral William Fallon to say the threat from that system remains distant.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in October 2006, in its own words.