Tensions Rise As North Korea Confirms Nuclear Test

North Korea has confirmed it has carried out a third nuclear test. Its Central News Agency has announced. Observers from monitoring agencies reported unusual seismic activity at the time the test was conducted. An un-named source told the Central News Agency:

“The nuclear test was conducted as part of measures to protect our national security and sovereignty against the reckless hostility of the United States that violated our republic’s right for a peaceful satellite launch.”

A 4.9 magnitude earthquake was detected north of a site where Pyongyang carried out previous tests, the most recent one in 2009. The blast was estimated to be between 6-7kt. To compare the nuclear weapons used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 were around 20kt each, but the North Korean detonations still had huge destructive power.

The United Nations Security Council is holding emergency talks in the wake of the test, which although widely expected was the subject of massive international condemnation. A spokesman for Ban Ki-moon, head of the UN said:

“The Secretary-General condemns the underground nuclear weapon test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea today. It is a clear and grave violation of the relevant Security Council Revolutions”

The South Korean Defense Ministry has raised its military alert level in response to the test but as yet have made no official statement. China has also expressed concern and its “firm opposition” to the test saying that,

“…wayward ally had gone ahead with the blast despite widespread opposition from the international community. We strongly urge the DPRK to honor its commitment to denuclearisation, and not take any actions which might worsen the situation” the foreign ministry said on its website.

Barak Obama has said that the test posed a threat and that the US ‘will continue to take steps necessary to defend ourselves and our allies” and that the US will continue to work with other nations “to pursue firm action”

The UK is beginning urgent talks with security council partners and is calling for a robust response to the test. Foreign Secretary William Hague stated:

North Korea’s development of its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities poses a threat to international and regional security. Its repeated provocations only serve to increase regional tension, and hinder the prospects for lasting piece on the Korean peninsula.”

After the test a newsreader encouraged the Korean Peoples Army to prepare for combat against its foes and that they should stand ready to wipe out the US imperialists and the South Korean puppet army right down to the last man.