South Korea has detected signs North Korea may be preparing for another nuclear test, CNN is reporting.
The warning comes from Seoul's National Intelligence Service (NIS) to South Korea lawmakers, according to the news network. If so, it would be Pyongyang's sixth nuclear weapons test.
North Korea's last nuclear test came in September, CNN noted.
The NIS reported that North Korea "has completed its preparation to carry out a nuclear test at Tunnel 2 and Tunnel 3 of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site," said Kim Byung-kee, a South Korean lawmaker.
The intelligence agency also reported activity indicating Tunnel 4 was being prepared for additional construction after work was stopped last year, CNN said.
North Korea had fired three short-range missiles on Saturday, despite repeated urgings from the U.S. to stop weapons trials, according to The New York Times.
U.S. officials reported two of the missiles traveled about 150 miles before splashing down in the sea. The other missile blew up immediately after it was launched.
The launches came as the U.S. and South Korea held joint military drills. The North has called the drills a rehearsal for an invasion, the Times said.
And CNN reported North Korean officials are warning that the U.S. risks strong punishment for the military exercises.
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