Possibility of Missile Test Preparation Detected in Sanum-dong, North Korea

CNN Reports Citing U.S. Officials

"Such Activities Match Those Seen Before Missile Tests"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] CNN reported on the 26th (local time) that satellite images have captured vehicle activity at the Sanum-dong missile facility near Pyongyang, North Korea, which could be a preparatory sign for missile launches or missile engine tests.

CNN cited U.S. State Department officials and others, stating that vehicles have been observed in recent days at the Sanum-dong missile research complex.

According to the report, these vehicles are not believed to be involved in missile fuel loading, and officials are reportedly uncertain whether North Korea is moving toward short-range or medium-range missile launches or engine tests.

One official said, "These activities are consistent with what we have seen before missile tests." However, other officials noted, "There are no signs of an imminent test launch," while adding, "As always, a test launch cannot be ruled out."

Vehicle activity at the Sanum-dong facility has reportedly occurred intermittently over the past few months.

Researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies suggested that the recent activity does not seem conclusive and that North Korea may be attempting to mislead U.S. intelligence agencies, knowing well that the U.S. is monitoring the site.

Jeffrey Lewis, head of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the institute, said, "Unusual vehicle activity is difficult to interpret. If it is a leadership visit to the factory, it could be the beginning or end of manufacturing for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) or space launch vehicles," adding, "What is important is that, like the West Sea (satellite launch site) or other facilities, there is an increase in activity here as well."

CNN also reported that recent satellite images show large blue shipping containers at the Sanum-dong facility. The contents of the containers are unknown, but they were first spotted on the 9th, disappeared four days later, reappeared in images on the 16th, and then vanished again on the 19th.

This activity is reported to have come after North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un announced in his New Year's address this year that he would develop "new strategic weapons" in response to the United States' hostile policies.