No sign of imminent N Korea nuclear test

Recent satellite images suggest North Korea is unlikely to follow through on a threatened nuclear test anytime soon, a US think-tank said yesterday.

Pyongyang had raised the possibility of what would be the reclusive nation's fourth test in response to a UN resolution condemning its human rights record.

But the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said analysis of recent satellite pictures of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site revealed no preparatory signs for a detonation.

"Based on the low-level of activity ... it is unlikely that North Korea will conduct a nuclear test in the next two to three months," the institute said on its closely-followed 38 North website.

It noted that preparations for the last test in February 2013 had been visible for several months in advance.

While recent images do show work at Punggye-ri, it "appears focused on maintaining facilities ... and an overall state of preparedness for the future," the institute said.