N Korea erects mock-up of Seoul president’s palace, claims Seoul

South Korea said on Wednesday that North Korea has built a half-size mock-up of the South’s presidential palace at a firing range in what appears to be preparations for a live-fire drill.

An official from the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, who didn’t want to be named, citing office rules, said the information came from an analysis of South Korean satellite imagery.

It comes ahead of a crucial North Korean ruling party congress next month during which leader Kim Jong Un is expected to shake up the country’s political elite and announce major state goals in an effort to further consolidate his power.

North Korea in recent weeks has repeatedly threatened to strike the presidential palace and government buildings in Seoul.