North Korea's plans for a new nuclear test, like most things that happen inside the reclusive state, are shrouded in mystery. But that's not stopping analysts and officials from making some informed guesses about what's going on. Why is North Korea planning to conduct a nuclear test? The North says the "higher level" test is part of its military deterrent in its confrontation with the United States, which it describes as "the sworn enemy of the Korean people." Its declaration that it would carry out the test came just two days after the United Nations Security Council voted in favor of imposing broader sanctions on the regime in response to Pyongyang's long-range rocket launch in December that was widely viewed as a test of ballistic missile technology.
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North Korea has vowed to carry out a "higher level" test
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Experts and officials say it could take place at any time
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Opinions vary on exactly what kind of test it may carry out
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Another nuclear test is likely to further strain relations in East Asia
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