North Korea Could Conduct Nuclear Test After US Elections: Spy Agency

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has indicated that North Korea may conduct its seventh nuclear test following the U.S. presidential elections in November. This assessment was shared with lawmakers during a parliamentary intelligence committee meeting.

According to representatives from both the ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party, the NIS noted that North Korea also has the option of testing intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The agency reported that North Korea possesses approximately 70 kilograms of plutonium and a substantial amount of highly enriched uranium (HEU), enough to produce several nuclear weapons.

The NIS suggested that the North’s recent disclosure of its HEU facility was timed with the U.S. elections in mind, possibly aimed at bolstering domestic confidence amid economic struggles. “This move can be seen as a way to engage with the U.S. ahead of its presidential vote while also reassuring its own population,” said Rep. Lee Seong-Kweun, as cited by Yonhap news agency.

Earlier this month, North Korean state media revealed details about its uranium enrichment facility following a visit from leader Kim Jong-un, though they did not specify its location or the date of the visit. The NIS believes the facility is likely located at the Kangson nuclear complex near Pyongyang, although this has not been confirmed.

Additionally, the NIS reported that North Korea’s recent test launch of tactical ballistic missiles on September 18 was aimed at assessing its precision strike capabilities, with one missile successfully reaching its target, marking a slight improvement over past tests.