U.S. spy satellites have detected renewed activity at the North Korean factory that produces ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States, a senior U.S. official said on Monday.

A North Korean missile launching station appears to be in the process of being taken down, according to a report from U.S.-Korea watchdog 38 North.

North Korea has been using its embassy in Berlin to procure parts for its missile program, the head of Germany’s BfV domestic intelligence agency told a German broadcaster.

"When it comes to North-South relations, we should lower the military tensions on the Korean Peninsula to create a peaceful environment," Kim said.

U.N. Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman agreed that the Korean situation is “the most tense and dangerous peace and security issue” in the world today.”

Satellite images suggest “significant” activity at North Korea’s mountainous nuclear test, in an area where little movement has been observed in several months, according to a U.S.-based watchdog.

South Korea expects North Korea to engage in more provocative action next month to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of its communist party and China's Communist Party Congress.

New satellite images suggest that North Korea has resumed working at the secretive state’s mountainous nuclear test site, despite new United Nations sanctions, according to a U.S.-based watchdog.

In an attempt to punish North Korea for its latest nuclear test, the UN Security Council approved new sanctions, targeting the country’s textile industry and limiting its import of crude oil.

It was the ninth sanctions resolution unanimously adopted by the 15-member council since 2006.