S. Korean military on high alert as N. Korea marks party anniversary

There are concerns North Korea could carry out a provocation today to mark a key anniversary.
Pyongyang has a track record of lashing out on dates it deems important.
There are a number of options open to the regime,... but some experts believe the day will come and go with no unusual activity.
Connie Kim reports.
The South Korean military is on high alert for any provocations as North Korea marks the 71st anniversary of the founding of its Workers' Party on Monday.
Sunday was the tenth anniversary of North Korea's first nuclear test but no unusual activity was detected at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site.
Analysts say there are three types of provocations the North could forge ahead with: a nuclear test, a long-range ballistic missile test or a missile launch from a mobile launch pad.
A long-range missile launch is considered highly unlikely as the North has stated it will notify the relevant international authorities prior to any firing,... which they have not done.
South Korea has noted that another nuclear test is a possibility,... following the regime's most recent test in early September.

"North Korea is always ready to conduct a nuclear bomb test. The South Korean government is closely monitoring the situation and fully prepared to counter such provocations."

South Korea's military authorities also say there's a possibility North Korea could suddenly launch a medium-range Rodong or Musudan missile from a mobile launch pad.
But, there are also experts who believe the day will pass without a provocation.
They note that restoration work following the worst flooding the North has seen in decades has yet to be completed.
They also say Pyongyang will most likely wait to see what punishment the UN Security Council hands down for its September ninth nuclear test.
Connie Kim, Arirang News.

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