Social Affairs

Pyongyang thought to be forging tunnel

WASHINGTON - A U.S. website reported Wednesday that North Korea is building a new tunnel at its nuclear test site.

However, the site, 38 North, added that a nuclear test does not appear imminent but that the new tunneling would add to Pyongyang’s ability to conduct more nuclear tests in the coming years if it so chooses.

The site based its conclusions Wednesday on commercial satellite imagery of Punggye-ri, where North Korea has conducted three underground nuclear test explosions since 2006.

Images taken between April and November show a new tunnel entrance, the fourth at the site, and signs of construction.

North Korea is believed to have a small but growing arsenal of nuclear weapons. Its most recent nuclear test was in February 2013. AP