Increased North Korean nuclear activity noted

SEOUL , April 22 (UPI) -- Increased activity at North Korea’s underground nuclear tests site has been detected, a South Korean government spokesman said.

Last month North Korea threatened a “new form” of test, which some experts say could involve a plutonium-based nuclear test, instead of use of a uranium-based device as in tests done in 2006, 2009 and 2013. It has recently claimed it is preparing something “unimaginable” for its enemies and “something big” to be demonstrated before Apr. 30, South Korean spokesman Kim Min-seok said.

“A lot of activity is currently being seen…North Korea may suddenly conduct a nuclear test in a short period of time,” Kim added.

The increase in activity comes as U.S. President Barack Obama prepares for a two-day visit, beginning Friday, to Seoul. A crisis management task force, involving South Korea’s defense ministry and its Joint Chiefs of Staff was established Monday to prepare for any test, and South Korea is organizing diplomatic efforts to deter additional nuclear tests by North Korea. South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho Tai-young said efforts are underway organize the international community to warn North Korea against any military provocation.