S Korean PM Announces Military Readiness Amid Pyongyang Nuclear Test

South Korean Prime Minister called on the local military to reciprocate in case of possible North Korea provocations that could be held while new nuclear test later in the week.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn called on the local military to remain vigilant amid allegations that North Korea could hold new nuclear test later in the week.

"The military should thoroughly be ready for any kind of North Korean provocation to ensure the safety of the people," Hwang said as quoted by the Yonhap news agency.

On Monday, South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun said Pyongyang could carry out its fifth nuclear test on the occasion of the Workers' Party of Korea congress, the first event of its kind in 36 years, expected to kick off this Friday.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalated after North Korea successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test in early January and put a satellite into orbit a month later, violating UN Security Council resolutions and triggering condemnation from the international community.

Last month, South Korean President Park Geun-hye confirmed reports that Seoul had detected signs of Pyongyang preparing for a new nuclear test.