North Korea is preparing to install intercontinental missiles

US satellite images show North Korea is preparing for a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or intermediate-range missile.

North Korea's Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile in a photo released on July 4 - Photo: Reuters

US CNN quoted two government officials familiar with intelligence confirming there were signs of Pyongyang's next missile test.

Satellite imagery has detected several images and radar signals that suggest North Korea may be testing components and missile controls for an ICBM or intermediate-range missile launch.

The above US officials also speculate that North Korea is continuing to prepare for a submarine missile launch, but US intelligence assesses this is only the initial preparation stage.

On July 4, North Korea is said to have successfully tested an ICBM. The latest information from CNN quoted General Paul Selva - Deputy Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, warning that Pyongyang has developed sophisticated techniques to conceal its missile tests.

“I have confidence in the ability of our intelligence community to observe the test, but I am not sure that we will see the deployment of these missile systems. Kim Jong Un and his military are very good at camouflage, concealment and deception,” General Paul Selva told the US Senate Armed Services Committee on July 18.

According to General Selva, the US believes that North Korea's ICBM development capability is still limited, and Pyongyang has not yet demonstrated the ability to attack the US effectively.

However, the US military leader said that North Korea's long-range missile guidance and control systems may have improved before one of their missiles could realistically strike the US.

General Selva, who is deeply involved in the US missile defense program, believes that President Donald Trump must consider decisive options to stop the threat from North Korea.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary James Mattis has long warned that tensions with North Korea could reach the threshold of conflict, and has pushed for diplomatic measures to resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, senior diplomats from South Korea, the United States and Japan met on July 19 and reaffirmed the importance of trilateral cooperation in dealing with North Korea's nuclear issue.

Many analysts believe North Korea is a high priority at the meeting, following Pyongyang's test launch of an ICBM on July 4. The launch raised concerns that North Korea is moving closer to developing a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

According to tuoitre.vn