North Korea Fires 6th Missile: Report

And piles of dirt at the Punggye-ri site indicate it could happen soon

(NEWSER) - North Korea looks to be preparing a third nuclear test, the AP reports: New photos show work on an underground tunnel—at the site of two earlier such tests—is nearly finished, say South Korean intelligence officials. "North Korea is covertly preparing for a third nuclear test, which would be another grave provocation," says the intelligence report, noting that dirt piled at the tunnel's opening indicates there's a "high possibility" Pyongyang could launch the test—soon. That's because plugging tunnels with dirt was the final step taken during its two previous nuclear tests at the Punggye-ri site, in 2006 and 2009. More»

(AP) - Even as the UN considers sanctions against North Korea, Pyongyang may be prepping for its third nuclear test. The secretive regime conducted an underground explosion last month, its second since a 2006 atomic test. Though the move triggered international scorn, an anonymous US government official says it looks like the North is preparing yet another one. He provided no details, however. More»

Weapon may be launched when S. Korea prez visits DC

(NEWSER) - North Korea is preparing to launch another intercontinental ballistic missile, according to South Korean media reports. Pyongyang is said to have moved its most advanced missile, whose 4,000 mile range puts Alaska within striking distance, to a brand-new launch pad and has forbidden ships from sailing the waters off its west coast. Several papers suggested that the launch might take place around June 16, when President Obama will welcome the South Korean president to the White House. More»

Gates warns N Korea as satellites spot missile being moved

(NEWSER) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates has warned that the US will not accept a nuclear-armed North Korea, Reuters reports. Gates said any transfer of nuclear material from North Korea to another country or group would be considered "a grave threat." "We will not stand idly by as North Korea builds the capability to wreak destruction on any target in the region or on us," he said. More»

(NEWSER) - So much for international outrage. North Korea fired off yet another short-range missile tonight, reports South Korea's Yonhap news agency. The missile is the third launched by Pyongyang since its nuclear test yesterday. Analysts suspect the North is engaging in a bit of saber-rattling, possibly to keep US and South Korean reconnaissance planes from nosing around for information about the nuke test. More missiles are expected. More»