Days after Pyongyang&#39;s fifth and largest-ever nuclear test, &nbsp;two huge US strategic bombers flew over South Korea today in a show of force and solidarity with its ally against North while a US envoy called for a &nbsp;strong response from the United Nations (UN). 
 
&quot;Today&#39;s demonstration provides just one example of the full range of military capabilities in the deep resources of this strong alliance to provide and strengthen extended deterrence,&quot; &nbsp;general Vincent Brooks, US-South Korea Combined Forces Command was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;North Korea&#39;s nuclear test is a dangerous escalation and poses an unacceptable threat,&quot; said the general, adding the US has an &quot;unshakable commitment&quot; to defend allies in the region. 
 
The supersonic B-1B Lancers reached airspace over the US Osan Air Base at Pyeongtaek, 64 kilometres (40 miles) south of Seoul, at around 10:00 am (0100 GMT). 
 
&quot;Our intention is to secure the strongest possible (UN Security Council) resolution that includes new sanctions as quickly as possible,&quot; Sung Kim, the US envoy on North Korea, asserted while speaking in the South Korean capital.&nbsp; 
 
US remains open to authentic, meaningful dialogue with Pyongyang on ending its pursuit of nuclear weapons, Kim was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp; 
 
Each aircraft, which had flown from the US Pacific Command`s Andersen Airforce base at Guam, was escorted by US and South Korean fighter jets.&nbsp; 
 
It&#39;s pertinent to mention that Seoul in July had announced its plans to deploy THAAD &nbsp;(Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), a sophisticated US missile defence system, to counter growing nuclear and missile threats from the North.&nbsp; 
 
However, North Korea&#39;s major diplomatic ally, China, which believes the system`s radar could also be used to track its own defences, had objected strongly. The plan has also met resistance from residents of the southern county of Seongju, the planned site. 
 
Kim today pointed out that the United States would work with China to close loopholes in existing resolutions, which were tightened with Beijing`s backing in March. 
 
&quot;China has been very clear that they understand the need for a new UN security council resolution in response to the latest North Korean nuclear test,&quot; Kim said. 
 
China and Russia, however, which strongly oppose a recent decision by the United States and South Korea to deploy an advanced anti-missile system in the South to counter the North`s missile threat, have shown reluctance to back further sanctions. 
 
Meanwhile, South Korea`s defence ministry spokesman Moon Sang-Gyun told journalists that Tuesday&#39;s overflight was &quot;aimed at sending a clear warning to North Korea about its nuclear test, and containing further provocations&quot;. &nbsp; 
 
Washington took similar actions after previous atomic tests. 
 
In January, the US flew a B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber over Osan Air Base after North Korea`s fourth nuclear blast. 
 
South Korea is home to around 28,500 US troops and numerous bases. 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters, AFP)&nbsp;

The overflight was 'aimed at sending a clear warning to the North' after its fifth nuclear test: South Korea's defence ministry

Days after Pyongyang's fifth and largest-ever nuclear test, two huge US strategic bombers flew over South Korea today in a show of force and solidarity with its ally against North while a US envoy called for a strong response from the United Nations (UN). "Today's demonstration provides just one example of the full range of military capabilities in the deep resources of this strong alliance to provide and strengthen extended deterrence," general Vincent Brooks, US-South Korea Combined Forces Command was quoted as saying by AFP. "North Korea's nuclear test is a dangerous escalation and poses an unacceptable threat," said the general, adding the US has an "unshakable commitment" to defend allies in the region. The supersonic B-1B Lancers reached airspace over the US Osan Air Base at Pyeongtaek, 64 kilometres (40 miles) south of Seoul, at around 10:00 am (0100 GMT). "Our intention is to secure the strongest possible (UN Security Council) resolution that includes new sanctions as quickly as possible," Sung Kim, the US envoy on North Korea, asserted while speaking in the South Korean capital. US remains open to authentic, meaningful dialogue with Pyongyang on ending its pursuit of nuclear weapons, Kim was quoted as saying by Reuters. Each aircraft, which had flown from the US Pacific Command`s Andersen Airforce base at Guam, was escorted by US and South Korean fighter jets. It's pertinent to mention that Seoul in July had announced its plans to deploy THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), a sophisticated US missile defence system, to counter growing nuclear and missile threats from the North. However, North Korea's major diplomatic ally, China, which believes the system`s radar could also be used to track its own defences, had objected strongly. The plan has also met resistance from residents of the southern county of Seongju, the planned site. Kim today pointed out that the United States would work with China to close loopholes in existing resolutions, which were tightened with Beijing`s backing in March. "China has been very clear that they understand the need for a new UN security council resolution in response to the latest North Korean nuclear test," Kim said. China and Russia, however, which strongly oppose a recent decision by the United States and South Korea to deploy an advanced anti-missile system in the South to counter the North`s missile threat, have shown reluctance to back further sanctions. Meanwhile, South Korea`s defence ministry spokesman Moon Sang-Gyun told journalists that Tuesday's overflight was "aimed at sending a clear warning to North Korea about its nuclear test, and containing further provocations". Washington took similar actions after previous atomic tests. In January, the US flew a B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber over Osan Air Base after North Korea`s fourth nuclear blast. South Korea is home to around 28,500 US troops and numerous bases. (WION with inputs from Reuters, AFP)

US bombers fly over South Korea in show of solidarity against Pyongyang

North Korea hailed its &quot;successful&quot; fifth nuclear test today, state-run TV said, after the explosion was described by South Korea as Pyongyang&#39;s largest-ever such blast. 
 
&quot;Scientists (from)... the Democratic People&#39;s Republic of Korea (DPRK)&nbsp;carried out a nuclear explosion test for the judgment of the power of a nuclear warhead newly studied and manufactured by them at the northern nuclear test ground,&quot; a TV announcer said, using the North&#39;s official name.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The Central Committee of the (ruling) Workers&#39; Party of Korea sent warm congratulations to nuclear scientists... of the northern nuclear test ground on the successful nuclear warhead explosion test,&quot; she said.&nbsp; 
 
The test will also enable the North to produce &quot;as many as it wants (of) a variety of smaller, lighter and diversified nuclear warheads of higher strike power&quot;, she said.&nbsp; 
 
No leakage of nuclear material had occurred in the test and that there was no environmental impact, the state-run TV added.&nbsp; 
 
Obama warns of consequences&nbsp; 
 
The 5.3 magnitude earthquake, recorded around Punggye-ri nuclear test site near the border with China, triggered sharp reactions from US, China and Japan.&nbsp; 
 
US President Barack Obama, warning of &quot;serious consequences&quot;, called the leaders of South Korea and Japan to consult after the seismic activity was detected, a White House spokesman said today.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The President indicated he would continue to consult our allies and partners in the days ahead to ensure provocative actions from North Korea are met with serious consequences,&quot; White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. 
 
Largest-ever explosion by the North: Seoul&nbsp; 
 
The latest test, with an estimated yield of 10 kilotons, is the largest-ever staged by Pyongyang, Seoul&#39;s military said.&nbsp; 
 
North Korea&#39;s man-made earthquake today emitted energy that was double that of its nuclear test in January, South Korea&#39;s meteorological agency added.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Energy of the magnitude 5.04 is double that of the fourth nuclear test (by North Korea),&quot; said director general for Earthquake and Volcano of Korea Meteorological Administration, Kim Nam-ouk, at a news briefing. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

North Korea's man-made earthquake today emitted energy that was double that of its nuclear test in January, claimed Seoul?

North Korea hailed its "successful" fifth nuclear test today, state-run TV said, after the explosion was described by South Korea as Pyongyang's largest-ever such blast. "Scientists (from)... the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) carried out a nuclear explosion test for the judgment of the power of a nuclear warhead newly studied and manufactured by them at the northern nuclear test ground," a TV announcer said, using the North's official name. "The Central Committee of the (ruling) Workers' Party of Korea sent warm congratulations to nuclear scientists... of the northern nuclear test ground on the successful nuclear warhead explosion test," she said. The test will also enable the North to produce "as many as it wants (of) a variety of smaller, lighter and diversified nuclear warheads of higher strike power", she said. No leakage of nuclear material had occurred in the test and that there was no environmental impact, the state-run TV added. Obama warns of consequences The 5.3 magnitude earthquake, recorded around Punggye-ri nuclear test site near the border with China, triggered sharp reactions from US, China and Japan. US President Barack Obama, warning of "serious consequences", called the leaders of South Korea and Japan to consult after the seismic activity was detected, a White House spokesman said today. "The President indicated he would continue to consult our allies and partners in the days ahead to ensure provocative actions from North Korea are met with serious consequences," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. Largest-ever explosion by the North: Seoul The latest test, with an estimated yield of 10 kilotons, is the largest-ever staged by Pyongyang, Seoul's military said. North Korea's man-made earthquake today emitted energy that was double that of its nuclear test in January, South Korea's meteorological agency added. "Energy of the magnitude 5.04 is double that of the fourth nuclear test (by North Korea)," said director general for Earthquake and Volcano of Korea Meteorological Administration, Kim Nam-ouk, at a news briefing. (WION with inputs from agencies)

North Korea hails 'successful nuclear test' after widespread condemnation

Nuclear-armed North Korea conducted two back-to-back tests of a powerful new medium-range missile today, with both achieving a significant increase in flight distance over previous failed launches, South Korea&#39;s defence ministry said. 
 
Both tests were believed to be of a much-hyped, intermediate-range Musudan missile -- theoretically capable of reaching US bases as far away as Guam. 
 
International condemnation was swift, with the United States, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Japan labelling the launches a clear violation of UN resolutions, and South Korea vowing to push for tighter sanctions on Pyongyang. 
 
Existing UN Security Council measures ban North Korea from any use of ballistic missile technology. 
 
The first test shortly before 6:00 am (2100 GMT Tuesday) was deemed to have failed after reportedly flying around 150 kilometres (90 miles) over the East Sea (Sea of Japan). 
 
According to Japanese military monitors, the second missile attained a height of 1,000 kilometers and a range of 400 kilometers -- a trajectory some experts suggested was calculated to avoid any violation of Japanese air space. 
 
Four failed Musudan tests earlier this year all either exploded on the mobile launch pad or shortly after take-off. 
 
A successful test would mark a major step forward for a weapons programme that ultimately aspires to develop a proven nuclear strike capability against the US mainland. 
 
Worrying progress&nbsp; 
 
Melissa Hanham, an expert on North Korea&#39;s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programme at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said today&#39;s launches represented a worrying step forward. 
 
&quot;The second was likely a success. Testing is iterative and they are learning from each flight,&quot; Hanham said. 
 
&quot;Policymakers need to focus on a testing ban to prevent this from becoming a working missile,&quot; she added. 
 
US state department spokesman John Kirby said the latest launches would only increase global efforts to counter North Korea&#39;s illicit weapons programme. 
 
&quot;W&lrm;e intend to raise our concerns at the UN to bolster international resolve in holding (North Korea) accountable for these provocative actions,&quot; Kirby said in a statement. 
 
Japanese broadcaster NHK quoted Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as saying such tests &quot;cannot be tolerated&quot;, while NATO &quot;strongly condemned&quot; the launch in a statement from its secretary general. 
 
South Korea&#39;s foreign ministry warned that North Korea would face even stronger sanctions and said the tests underlined &quot;the hypocrisy and deceptiveness&quot; of Pyongyang&#39;s recent offers of military talks with Seoul. 
 
China, traditionally the North&#39;s closest ally, cautioned against &quot;any action that may escalate tension&quot; and called for a resumed dialogue on the North&#39;s nuclear programme. 
 
First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres. 
 
The lower estimate covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam. 
 
String of failures&nbsp; 
 
Three failed launches in April were seen as an embarrassment for North Korea&#39;s leadership, coming ahead of a rare ruling party congress that was meant to celebrate the country&#39;s achievements. 
 
Another attempt in May was also deemed to have failed. 
 
Markus Schiller, a German aerospace engineer who has written extensively on North Korea&#39;s missile programme, said a lot of information on the Musudan was highly speculative and warned against drawing too many conclusions from today&#39;s launches. 
 
&quot;We do not even know if these were indeed Musudan missiles that were launched today,&quot; Schiller said. 
 
The latest tests came with military tensions on the divided Korean peninsula still running high following Pyongyang&#39;s fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch a month later that saw the UN Security Council impose its toughest sanctions to date on the North. 
 
In recent months, North Korea has claimed a series of technical breakthroughs in developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to targets across the continental United States. 
 
(AFP)

A successful test would be a major fillip for a weapon's programme that aspires to get the US mainland within striking range

Nuclear-armed North Korea conducted two back-to-back tests of a powerful new medium-range missile today, with both achieving a significant increase in flight distance over previous failed launches, South Korea's defence ministry said. Both tests were believed to be of a much-hyped, intermediate-range Musudan missile -- theoretically capable of reaching US bases as far away as Guam. International condemnation was swift, with the United States, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Japan labelling the launches a clear violation of UN resolutions, and South Korea vowing to push for tighter sanctions on Pyongyang. Existing UN Security Council measures ban North Korea from any use of ballistic missile technology. The first test shortly before 6:00 am (2100 GMT Tuesday) was deemed to have failed after reportedly flying around 150 kilometres (90 miles) over the East Sea (Sea of Japan). According to Japanese military monitors, the second missile attained a height of 1,000 kilometers and a range of 400 kilometers -- a trajectory some experts suggested was calculated to avoid any violation of Japanese air space. Four failed Musudan tests earlier this year all either exploded on the mobile launch pad or shortly after take-off. A successful test would mark a major step forward for a weapons programme that ultimately aspires to develop a proven nuclear strike capability against the US mainland. Worrying progress Melissa Hanham, an expert on North Korea's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programme at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said today's launches represented a worrying step forward. "The second was likely a success. Testing is iterative and they are learning from each flight," Hanham said. "Policymakers need to focus on a testing ban to prevent this from becoming a working missile," she added. US state department spokesman John Kirby said the latest launches would only increase global efforts to counter North Korea's illicit weapons programme. "W‎e intend to raise our concerns at the UN to bolster international resolve in holding (North Korea) accountable for these provocative actions," Kirby said in a statement. Japanese broadcaster NHK quoted Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as saying such tests "cannot be tolerated", while NATO "strongly condemned" the launch in a statement from its secretary general. South Korea's foreign ministry warned that North Korea would face even stronger sanctions and said the tests underlined "the hypocrisy and deceptiveness" of Pyongyang's recent offers of military talks with Seoul. China, traditionally the North's closest ally, cautioned against "any action that may escalate tension" and called for a resumed dialogue on the North's nuclear programme. First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres. The lower estimate covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam. String of failures Three failed launches in April were seen as an embarrassment for North Korea's leadership, coming ahead of a rare ruling party congress that was meant to celebrate the country's achievements. Another attempt in May was also deemed to have failed. Markus Schiller, a German aerospace engineer who has written extensively on North Korea's missile programme, said a lot of information on the Musudan was highly speculative and warned against drawing too many conclusions from today's launches. "We do not even know if these were indeed Musudan missiles that were launched today," Schiller said. The latest tests came with military tensions on the divided Korean peninsula still running high following Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch a month later that saw the UN Security Council impose its toughest sanctions to date on the North. In recent months, North Korea has claimed a series of technical breakthroughs in developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to targets across the continental United States. (AFP)

North Korea test fires two powerful, mid-range ballistic missiles