N. Korea unlikely to conduct nuclear or long-range missile test

A man watches a TV news program reporting on North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea, at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 2, 2015. North Korea on Monday fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea and warned of “merciless strikes” against its enemies as allies Seoul and Washington launched annual military drills Pyongyang claims are preparation for a northward invasion. The letters read “North Korea, fired two short-range ballistic missiles.” (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

WASHINGTON (Yonhap) — North Korea is unlikely to test a nuclear device or a long-range missile over the next few months, a U.S. think tank said, citing satellite imagery of tests sites, despite concern Pyongyang could launch provocations in anger over U.S.-South Korea military exercises.

Commercial satellite imagery of the North’s Punggye-ri nuclear test site and the Sohae Satellite Launching Station shows that only activities associated with maintenance during the winter months are taking place, the website 38 North said.

“While both sites are likely at a sufficient state of readiness to move forward with a test if ordered to do so by the North Korean leadership, there are no signs of preparations,” it said. “As a result, the North is unlikely to conduct a nuclear or missile test over the next few months.”

The analysis came amid concern that Pyongyang could make provocations to demonstrate anger at joint military exercises South Korea and the U.S. launched earlier this month. The communist nation has condemned such annual drills as a rehearsal for invasion of the country.

Seoul and Washington have denied the claim, saying the maneuvers are purely defensive.

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