After the Nuclear test by North Korea in October that seemed like a potential dud it comes as little surprise that North Korea may be preparing for second test.
The first test was thought to have been prepared and taken place on the eastern side of Mount Mant’ap. North Korea had apparently prepared two tunnels. One was prepared on the Eastern Side and a second tunnel on the Western side.
DefenseTech.org is reporting that South Korean Government officials have indicated that activity at the Western tunnel is taking place that is similar to the activity that occurred prior to the test on the Eastern side. A South Korean National Assemblyman indicated that it is likely that the North Koreans are preparing for a second test according to the report.
It is likely that North Korea will perform additional tests if they have the material as the first test regardless of its true effectiveness was considered or at least spun to be somewhat of a failure. A second test if successful will likely be larger and more pronounced as North Korea will want to shake and impress the international community.
This latest activity by the PRK at Mount Mant'ap may also give either the Japanese or the United States something to target in some form of an attack. Such an attack on the PRK would be a significant precedent, and would certainly cause an uproar in international circles. However, the Japanese and American leadership might feel hard pressed to stand by and do nothing through a second round of nuclear testing by the North Koreans, especially if the location is known.
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