U.S. Analysis 'Not Consistent' With North Korea’s Claim of a Hydrogen Bomb Test
Although there has been no independent confirmation of the test, there is skepticism and condemnation of the claim.
—North Korea says it successfully detonated its first hydrogen bomb on Wednesday morning at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site. It called the test a “self-defense against the U.S. having numerous and humongous nuclear weapons.”
—Although there has been no independent confirmation of the test, condemnation has been nearly unanimous. China, North Korea’s main ally, says it did not know anything about the test, adding it “firmly” opposes the move. Similar statements were issued by Russia, the EU, NATO, the White House’s National Security Council, and the UN Security Council.
—There is skepticism from experts about North Korea’s claim. The White House said “initial analysis … is not consistent with” claims of a successful hydrogen bomb test.
—Still, if confirmed, this would be North Korea’s fourth nuclear test. Pyongyang previously tested at Punggye-ri in 2006; additional detonations followed in 2009 and 2013. The previous tests detonated atomic bombs, which rely on nuclear fission. This test, North Korea says, tested a hydrogen bomb, which relies on both fission and fusion, producing a chain reaction that’s far more powerful than an atomic bomb.
There’s skepticism among nuclear experts and governments about North Korea’s claim Wednesday that it has successfully detonated its first hydrogen bomb, with the White House saying its initial analysis was “not consistent” with Pyongyang’s announcement.
