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