America: North Korea does not appear to be preparing for an imminent nuclear test

The director of the US Military Intelligence Service said yesterday (Wednesday) that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un does not appear to be preparing to conduct a nuclear test during the military exercises between the United States and South Korea, but the United States remains vigilant, according to Reuters.

US officials have warned for nearly a year that North Korea may resume nuclear testing for the first time since 2017, a move that could be seen as a dangerous provocation by the United States, South Korea and Japan.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and other officials warned of this possibility in May 2022, before President Joe Biden’s trip to Asia.

Lieutenant General Scott Breer told reporters at the Military Intelligence Command headquarters that Kim could have chosen the timing of the nuclear test to coincide with the ongoing “Freedom Shield” exercises being conducted by the US and South Korean militaries. The 11-day training is scheduled to conclude today.

‘It doesn’t look like he’s going to do that,’ said Brier. But he will announce it at a time and place of his choosing, which is something we will watch very carefully.”

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency said that the launches, which took place yesterday, may have included strategic “cruise” missiles.