Traces of People and Vehicle Movement Observed in Satellite Images
38 North: "Purpose Unclear... No Signs of Reconstruction"
Kim Jong-un Previously Warned of 'Shocking Actual Actions'
US Deploys Stealth F-22 Raptor Near Korean Peninsula
Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea (left), and Donald Trump, President of the United States
Movement of people and vehicles has been detected at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, which North Korea had previously dismantled. At present, the purpose and intent remain unclear. Earlier this year, North Korea mentioned a 'new strategic weapon' and warned of 'shocking actual actions.' Meanwhile, the United States is reported to have deployed special operations aircraft near the Korean Peninsula.
On the 29th (local time), 38 North, a U.S. media outlet specializing in North Korea, reported that recent commercial satellite images analyzed of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, North Korea, revealed footprints and vehicle tracks on the snow accumulated at the site.
Traces of personnel and vehicles were detected near the tunnels and support facilities, and the snow on the road leading to the command post had been cleared.
Footprints were also observed on the road leading to the eastern tunnel, which had been virtually abandoned since the first nuclear test in 2006. 38 North described the discovery of such activity as "very unusual."
However, it assessed that it is difficult to definitively determine the purpose of these activities. 38 North explained, "It is unclear why personnel appeared in this area," adding, "It could be part of routine security patrols."
38 North further analyzed, "There are no signs of excavation or construction that would suggest North Korea is attempting to reactivate the test site," and "It is more likely related to security patrols."
The Punggye-ri nuclear test site was dismantled by North Korea in May 2018, just before the Singapore North Korea?U.S. summit. North Korea, which had promised to halt nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches to the U.S., stated earlier this year that it no longer felt bound by those commitments after no progress was made in the North Korea?U.S. negotiations.
Alongside the suspicious movements at Punggye-ri, unusual actions by the United States have also been observed.
Four F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Alaska Air Force Base were recently deployed to Yokota Air Base in Japan. The F-22 is a force deployed to the Korean Peninsula in emergencies. It can evade North Korean radar and strike key North Korean facilities, making it one of the U.S. strategic weapons that North Korea fears the most.
On the 28th, the U.S. also deployed the latest Triton (MQ-4C) unmanned reconnaissance aircraft to the operational area of the 7th Fleet, which covers the Pacific region including the Korean Peninsula. This has led to speculation that unusual activity may have been detected in North Korea.
Meanwhile, on the 28th (local time), John Rood, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy, stated that the U.S. might preemptively block North Korea's missile launch threats with offensive responses.
Deputy Secretary Rood appeared at a House Armed Services Committee hearing that day and said, "We need to appropriately defend to deter and, if necessary, defeat it (North Korea's threat)," adding, "This is not just through defense alone. Offense can play a role in responding to (North Korea's) attacks."
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