Since North Korea knows when satellites zip overhead, analysts say the games at the main administrative area, guard barracks, and support area of the command center-plus an apparently unused volleyball net at the command center-were likely meant to convey some sort of message, though they aren't exactly sure what.
North Korean monitoring service 38 North says satellite images from April 16 show what appears to be "three volleyball games underway at different locations throughout" at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site.
"Possible explanations for the most recent developments are [that] the site and associated preparations for a sixth nuclear test have transitioned to a "stand-by" status, with personnel being allowed some down-time for recreation".
The United States on Tuesday sent a nuclear sniffer aircraft to fly over the east of the Korean Peninsula to monitor radioactivity levels amid the increased likelihood of another North Korean nuclear test, media reported citing a South Korean government source.
How Trump's 'Buy American' order could play out
As per several United States reports , a majority of the H-1B visas every year are grabbed by Indian IT professionals. The Trump administration rolled out policy shifts earlier this month to begin cracking down on the H-1B visa system.
38 North said it would be publishing the satellite imagery later today.
"[Or that] Pyongyang has initiated a tactical pause in activity at the test site as part of an overall deception plan, delaying the sixth nuclear test until a time when a detonation would achieve the greatest political advantage".
The Punggye-ri nuclear test site is reportedly "primed and ready" for another nuclear test, however, North Korea has provided no specific indications that it intends to conduct a test in the immediate future.
Bermudez said the images showed evidence of tunneling work, but there was no sign that water had been pumped out of the tunnel system where the nuclear tests take place.
Comments