North Korea Likely Preparing for New Missile Test

The official South Korean news agency reports that North Korea has recently made changes to its missile launch facilities, likely indicating Pyongyang's readiness to conduct a new missile test in October. The Yonhap news agency, one of the main sources of information about Pyongyang in South Korea, reported on July 21 that the northern neighbor has nearly completed changes to its long-range missile launch facilities at a base near the Chinese border. A source cited by the news agency, based on satellite images, stated that the new tower is 67 meters tall and is located at the Dongchang-ri base. North Korean officials claim this base is for the 'Saha' satellite. The unnamed source from Yonhap suggested that North Korea is preparing for a missile launch larger than the 'Unha-3' rockets. The potential launch date for this missile is estimated to be October 10, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the North Korean Workers' Party. Conducting missile or military tests during state ceremonies has a precedent in the country. Previously, the South Korean defense minister warned about the possibility of what he termed 'strategically provocative actions' on the anniversary of the Workers' Party's founding. The 'Unha' rockets are launched from 'one-time use' systems, including the 'Saha' system. The 'Unha-3' was tested in April 2012 and December of the same year. North Korea's intercontinental missile tests are listed as prohibited activities by the United Nations Security Council. Pyongyang has repeatedly ignored these restrictions and conducted military tests. Due to these tests and disregard for the Security Council's demands, North Korea is under severe sanctions. Recently, the North Korean Foreign Ministry issued a statement referring to the conclusion of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and six world powers, stating that Pyongyang has no interest in following a similar path.