DHAKA: North Korea is suspected of carrying out its fifth nuclear test, after an ‘artificial’ magnitude 5.3 earthquake was detected close to its test site.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency quoted unnamed South Korean officials as saying it was highly likely to have been a nuclear test.

Previous artificial earthquakes in the same area and of that magnitude have all been nuclear tests, reports the BBC.

There has been no comment from the North as yet.

But recent satellite imagery and intelligence has shown indicated increased activity at the Punggye-ri nuclear site, indicating a fifth test was imminent.

Friday is also North Korea’s National Day, which celebrates the start of the country’s leadership regime.

North Korea often uses such events as an opportunity for a show of military strength.

The US Geological Survey, which monitors global seismic activity, said Friday morning’s tremor had been detected in the Punggye-ri area in the north-east and was caused by ‘an explosion’.

It said it could “determine what type of explosion it may be, whether nuclear or any other possible type”.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said a nuclear test was a ‘possibility’ and that Japan was closely coordinating with its allies.

“If North Korea has conducted a nuclear experiment, we absolutely cannot condone it. We must protest adamantly.”

The US said it was monitoring the reports.

BDST: 0925 HRS, SEP 09, 2016
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