Seoul: North Korea is Preparing for a New Nuclear Test

South Korean officials have suggested that Pyongyang is likely to conduct a new nuclear test soon and stated that they are in 'full readiness.' North Korea has conducted four nuclear tests to date and has also launched ballistic missiles in defiance of international demands and UN Security Council sanctions. The tumultuous relations between North Korea, its neighboring countries, and the United States have escalated tensions with new sanctions and the largest military exercises conducted by South Korea and the U.S. The South Korean Ministry of Unification, responsible for inter-Korean relations, stated on March 22 that 'we believe North Korea's fifth nuclear test will occur soon. The government (Seoul) is preparing for all possibilities.' The South Korean Ministry of Defense has also emphasized that Pyongyang is awaiting orders from Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, to conduct the new nuclear test. A spokesperson for this ministry told reporters, 'For this reason, our military forces, along with intelligence officials in South Korea and the United States, are fully monitoring such events.' North Korea's last nuclear test was conducted at the beginning of this year, and a month later, its government launched a missile into space, claiming it was to place a satellite. Generally, the international community considers these launches as a form of ballistic testing. Kim Jong-un recently stated that his country has succeeded in miniaturizing its nuclear warheads to be mounted on ballistic missiles. He promised to conduct tests in this area on March 16. Currently, South Korean and U.S. officials express doubts about North Korea's ability to mount nuclear warheads on its missiles.