An extremely powerful explosion measuring 5.3 in magnitude was detected at the site of North Korea’s bomb tests by the US Geological Survey (USGS), triggering reports of an apparent nuclear test by North Korea. Confirmed the structure and specific features.
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In March, North Korea was subject to the harshest round of sanctions ever after it carried out its fourth underground nuclear test in January and launched a rocket using ballistic missile technology the following month.
South Korea’s military detected a magnitude 5.3 natural disaster at around 9.30 a.m. (0130GMT) close to the Punggye-ri site where North Korea carried out its previous four tests since 2006.
The test will send tensions soaring over the North’s nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions, which have already earned global condemnation and United Nations sanctions.
Some are suggesting the detonation celebrated North Korea’s Foundation Day, marking the 68 anniversary of the establishment of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
– August 24: Successfully test-fires a submarine-launched ballistic missile, in what it says is retaliation for large-scale South Korea-US military exercises.
State media reported that a smaller, lighter device was used, but it had greater explosive force than previous tests – perhaps around 6 to 7 kilotons, according to South Korea.
The commander-in-chief, in addition, said that South Korea, in close cooperation with the global community, will seek “much stronger sanctions” and mobilize “all possible means” to pressure Pyongyang into renouncing its nuclear ambitions.
Following January’s fourth test, the US led efforts to have the Security Council to adopt the harshest ever sanctions on the North.
– August 3: South Korean and Japanese officials say North Korea fired a medium-range ballistic missile, likely a Rodong, that flew about 1,000 kilometers (620) miles and landed near Japan’s territorial waters.
In Japan, meanwhile, two T-4 trainer aircraft took off from Hyakuri Air Base northeast of Tokyo, carrying a special container to collect air samples for analysis of possible radioactive materials.
“The 10-kiloton blast was almost twice the fourth nuclear test and slightly less than the Hiroshima bombing, which was measured about 15 kilotons”, said Kim Nam-Wook from the South’s meteorological agency said. “That explains why it has conducted a slew of missile tests this year, although the THAAD might not necessarily pose a major threat to it”.
Park’s office says she spoke in Laos with President Barack Obama about the test Friday morning, but didn’t immediately reveal more details. Not only has the range of the weapons successfully tested jumped significantly, but the country is working to ideal new platforms for launching them – submarines and mobile launchers – giving the North greater ability to threaten the tens of thousands of USA troops stationed throughout Asia.
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Outsiders are skeptical about the H-bomb claim. Six-nation negotiations on dismantling North Korea’s nuclear program in exchange for aid were last held in late 2008 and fell apart in early 2009, when North Korea was led by Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong Il, who died in late 2011.
