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U.S. puzzles over N. Korea n-site

Satellite imagery at suspected facility raises questions

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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Recent imagery shows a change at a suspected North Korean underground nuclear site, a possible indication Pyongyang is planning an underground test of a nuclear weapon, U.S. military and intelligence officials have told CNN.

The officials emphasized, however, the development was minor and said there was no way to draw firm conclusions about what it means.

The imagery detected wire bundles above ground at the site, the location of which was not disclosed. Officials also could not say whether the imagery came from a satellite or a U-2 aircraft. ( Watch U.S. weigh what North Korea might do -- 1:44 )

The bundles could be used to wire the site above ground, so that in the event of an underground nuclear test, North Korean technicians could monitor it from a distance.

A senior administration official told CNN there was some "suspicious truck activity" seen at the site, and confirmed the detection of wire bundles.

But while the official said it could suggest a test, "it is inconclusive. (It) could be or could not be."

One senior U.S. military official said, "There are rough indicators that show there could be a potential nuclear test." But he added, "Indicators are very transparent. The U.S. does not have 100 percent confidence North Korea will hold a test."

Other government sources said it was "just speculation" that an underground test was being planned.

One source said the U.S. and Japan were often picking up "suspicious activity" with respect to North Korea.

A White House spokesman said Thursday night, "North Korea's nuclear ambitions pose a threat to the international community. North Korea continues to defy their commitment to abandon all nuclear weapons and nuclear programs made in the September 2005 Joint Statement.

"We continue to consult with friends and allies and to urge those with influence with North Korea in the region to use that influence to dissuade North Korea from further provocative actions and to return to the six-party talks," the spokesman said.

"We will not comment on any intelligence-related matters. The world must remain vigilant in preventing such an outcome."

CNN's Mike Mount, Barbara Starr, Elaine Quijano and Elise Labott contributed to this story

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