The Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency concluded that North Korea has the knowledge to make nuclear weapons. However, the DIA cautioned in their report to senior administration officials and members of congress that the weapon's "reliability will be low".

READ: North Korea Moves Missile Into Firing Position

This report comes just as Secretary of State John Kerry is scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Friday and from there travel to China and Japan. In China, the goal is to persuade them to dissuade North Korea from launching its nuclear attack. The trip to South Korea and Japan would serve to reassure these allied nations of North American commitment to their defense.

READ: U.S. Prepares For North Korea Attack

North Korea has conducted three nuclear tests so far, however, they have all involved short-range missiles. American and South Korean intelligence agencies expect a test of a mid-range missile that could reach as far as Guam to be tested in the upcoming days.

Read the full story at The New York Times.

Reach Executive Producer Francesca Martens here.