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April 29th, 2024 | 6:13 AM ET

North Korea’s 5th Nuclear Fait Accompli

Posted: September 9th, 2016

North Korea announced Friday morning that it had successfully conducted its fifth nuclear test at the subterranean Punggye-ri test site. The U.S. geological survey confirmed a 5.3 magnitude earthquake nearby, stating that it was caused by an “explosion.” In an official statement, Pyongyang declared it had tested a “nuclear warhead that has been standardised to be able to be mounted on strategic ballistic rockets.” The test has received swift condemnation from the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and China, and an international response – likely in the form of further sanctions – is sure to follow.

Putting aside the fact that North Korea exploded a fifth device in defiance of sweeping international sanctions and pressure, the test is significant for several technical reasons.

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