North Korea says it successfully tested hydrogen bomb

Updated @ 11:50 a.m., January 6, 2016

Originally posted @ 11:41 a.m., January 6, 2016

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea says it has conducted a hydrogen bomb test, marking a major step forward in its nuclear development, if confirmed.

The North said Wednesday in a broadcast that the test was successful. A hydrogen bomb is generally more powerful than a nuclear bomb.

“The republic’s first hydrogen bomb test has been successfully performed at 10:00 am on January 6, 2016, based on the strategic determination of the Workers’ Party,” a state television news reader announced.

North Korea has long pushed for an arsenal of warheads that can be mounted on a missile capable of reaching mainland America’s shores. North Korea is thought to have a handful of rudimentary nuclear bombs. But it is not yet thought to have succeeded.

The surprise announcement that complicates already difficult efforts to curb the country’s push for a working nuclear arsenal.

South Korean officials earlier detected an “artificial earthquake” near North Korea’s main nuclear test site.

An H-bomb test will almost certainly lead to a push for new sanctions at the United Nations.

North Korea said Wednesday it had successfully carried out its first hydrogen bomb test