North Korea missile warning: Kim Jong-un 'could prepare test' days before US visit

A senior US administration official told a briefing on Friday that a nuclear test or other provocation was possible during Kamala Harris' trip in the region, but they had no predictions or announcements to make

Nuclear-capable cruise missile after being launched from a submarine (

Image: ISPR/AFP via Getty Images)

North Korea may be preparing to launch a new submarine said to be capable of carrying ballistic missiles, as South Korea prepares for US Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to Seoul.

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Satellite images obtained by US think tank 38 North show the Sinpo South shipyard on the country's east coast, with six barges and ships huddled around the construction hall quay.

"While barges and a dry dock have occasionally been observed around the submarine launch dock in the main construction hall, the presence of six ships and barges in this area has never been observed before" , says the report, which concludes that the activity suggests preparations to launch a submarine.

Missile vehicles take part in a nighttime military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea (

Picture:

by Reuters)

The footage was discovered just days before Vice President Kamala Harris was due to travel to Japan to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and later travel to South Korea.

A senior US administration official said in a Friday briefing that a nuclear test or other provocation was possible during Harris' intervention.