North Korea satellite images suggest ballistic missile launch plans: US Think Tank Report

In latest development on Korean peninsula, satellite ims suggest that rth Korea is preparing for a medium-range submarine ballistic missile launch as it showed several vessels within a secure boat basin, similar to that of  October 2019 Pukguksong-3 test.

satellite ims acquired by Center for Strategic and International Studies on September 4 show activity at country's Sinpo shipyard suggestive of preparations for an upcoming test of a Pukguksong-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from submersible test stand barge.  

Read: rth Korea's Leader Kim Jong Un Inspects Typhoon-hit Areas, Anunces Recovery Plan

indicator suggesting preparations for possible test launch is presence of two ROMEO-class submarines (SS) anchored within bay of submarine base on Mayang-do. However, re are visible indications in satellite ims that "newly built submarine", which rth Korea's first true ballistic missile submarine, has been launched. 

"Activity is also ted around static test stand on south side of Sinpo South Shipyard where vehicles or equipment appear to be positioned around rail-mounted service stand and test stand strong arm (used to raise a launch tube or missile into vertical position for testing). Similar activity has been seen in past both for maintenance and prior to ejections tests," US think tank said in its report. 

development comes as US President Donald Trump, who had promised to deal with rth Korea himself, prepares for his re-election campaign for upcoming vember poll in country. CSIS said that launch could be part of Pyongyang's "October surprise" that as per its historical data shows heightened provocations around US presidential election years.

Read: rth Korean Troops, Vehicles Preparing For Major Military Parade: US Think-tank

Uranium enrichment

A few days ago, United Nations' nuclear watchdog had reported that its suspects rth Korea is continuing to enrich uranium which could potentially be used in a nuclear weapon. International Atomic Energy ncy (IAEA), which does t have any inspectors in Pyongyang at moment, said that based on satellite ims it had acquired, rth Korea is still enriching uranium. 

Read: rth Korea Pledges 'severe Punishment' For Officials Over Typhoon Maysak Casualties

Read: IAEA Suspects rth Korea Still Enriching Uranium, heightens Open-source Info Collection