WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The White House said Thursday it is assessing an explosion near North Korea’s nuclear test site that was detected by seismic monitors, but did not confirm reports of a nuclear test.
“We are aware of seismic activity on the Korean Peninsula in the vicinity of a known North Korean nuclear test site,” said National Security Council spokesman Ned Price.
“We are monitoring and continuing to assess the situation in close coordination with our regional partners.”
US President Barack Obama had expressed concern earlier Thursday about North Korea’s nuclear activity.
“We are going to make sure that we put our defensive measures in place so that America is protected, our allies are protected,” Obama told journalists in Laos, where he attended a summit with South East Asia leaders.
“We will continue to put some of the toughest pressure that North Korea has ever been under as a consequence of this behavior.”
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