US sees signs of possible NKorea test preparation

WASHINGTON, Oct 4 (Reuters) The United States has detected activity at potential test sites in North Korea indicating possible preparations for a nuclear test, but the evidence is not definitive, a US defense official said today.

US spy satellites have picked up unusual movement of vehicles and other activity at these locations that might occur before an underground nuclear test, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. North Korea yesterday said it would conduct its first nuclear test.

''But (with) the movement, there's nothing that would say, 'Hey, this is definitely going to be a test of a nuclear device,''' the official said in an interview.

The official was not specific about where in North Korea this activity was detected and did not indicate whether a test seemed imminent. The official added that because the North Koreans have never conducted a nuclear test, ''we don't really know what we're looking for.'' The official added that even if North Korea failed to follow through on its stated intention to conduct a nuclear test, that does not necessarily mean the reclusive state is incapable of doing so.

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