Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
North Korea ‘nuke missile quake’ alert
NORTH Korea was last night feared to have conducted a new nuclear test after a small earthquake was detected in the same location as previous tests.
The United States Geological Survey said a 2.9 magnitude quake was recorded 14 miles north-east of Sungjibaegam, in the north east of the country.
It comes after fears the rogue state was set to conduct a test this week to coincide with Tuesday’s 72nd anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers’ Party.
South Korean newspaper The Chosun Ilbo also claimed two key North Korean officials responsible for its nuclear and missiles program were absent from public events for the anniversary celebrations, sparking speculation they were preparing for a new test.
The US Geological Survey said: “This event occurred in the area of the previous North Korean nuclear tests.
“The event has earthquake like characteristics, however, we cannot conclusively confirm at this time the nature – natural or human-made – of the event.”
Claims emerged this week that despot Kim Jong-un is working on a nuclear missile capable of reaching the US.
Pyongyang reportedly told Russian politicians Kim aimed to increase the range of his rockets to 5,593 miles – US city Seattle is 5,134 miles away.
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly last night said the US administration hopes diplomacy works to resolve the situation.