North Korea conducts Hydrogen bomb test

Pyongyang: North Korea announced on Wednesday it had successfully carried out its first hydrogen bomb test, a development that, if confirmed, would mark a stunning step forward in its nuclear development.

“The republic’s first hydrogen bomb test has been successfully performed at 10am on Wednesday, based on the strategic determination of the Workers’ Party,” a state television news reader announced.

The test means a higher stage of North Korea's development of nuclear force, Pyongyang said. By succeeding in the H-bomb test, North Korea "joined the advanced ranks of nuclear weapons states possessed of even H-bomb", it said.

Seoul has put its military on alert and beefed up surveillance of North Korea after the recent announcement by the communist country. "Regarding the situation, South Korea and the US are closely cooperating," the Defence ministry said, adding that it has also launched an emergency crisis management body.

Meanwhile, the White House said it cannot confirm North Korea's claims of a successful H-bomb test, but condemns any violation of the UN resolutions banning Pyongyang from nuclear tests.