The DPRK is preparing to resume operations at the reactor

On satellite imagery shows increased activity at major North Korean nuclear test site, according to a new report.

Evidence suggests that Pyongyang may be preparing to resume operations at the reactor for plutonium production in Yongbyon, a nuclear research centre 90 km to the North from the capital. "The activity of the nuclear research center in Yongbyon shows that it works on the level a few higher than what was observed during the past 5 years," the statement reads. "The exact consequences of this activity remain unclear except to confirm that the Yongbyon facility remains the center of the nuclear program of North Korea."

In the center of the complex in Yongbyon is an experimental nuclear reactor, which operation was terminated in the end of 2015. "For the past 4 months have seen the continued presence of vehicles at the reactor," - said in the message. Satellite images do not show the snow on the roofs of the reactor, while the other roofs are covered. "This indicates that the reactor and its ancillary facilities occupied and at least minimally heated." Channels leading from the cooling tank of the reactor is also cleaned of ice, although there was no indication that they are currently in, the report said. "In General, these activities involve preparation for the resumption of reactor operation," the authors conclude.

In his speech, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-UN said that the country was close to testing an Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering a nuclear weapon to the continental United States.

Immediately before the beginning of the first term of Barack Obama, the six-party talks involving North Korea and the United States about the nuclear program of Pyongyang broke down, and relations between the two countries has deteriorated significantly during the two terms of Obama.

sections: Politics, World News, Accidents