North Korea is likely to test a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean soon, indicated a statement by its Foreign minister Ri Yong Ho. This warning of a possible atmospheric nuclear test comes amid threats by the United States of America (USA) to totally destroy North Korea if it threatens the US.
HIGHLIGHTS
Pyongyang warned they will conduct 'the most powerful detonation' of a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean
CIA earlier stated North Korea could be months away from being capable of hitting the US with nuclear weapons
Trump is set to visit Asia next week and the issue of North Korea is expected to surface in the discussions
The North Korean foreign minister had earlier said that Pyongyang might consider conducting ‘the most powerful detonation’ of a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean. According to a senior N.Korean official who spoke to CNN, these threats should be heeded. ‘The Pyongyang senior diplomat, Ri Yong Pil added that the foreign minister is ‘very well aware’ of Kim-Jong Un’s intentions and hence people should take the warning to test the hydrogen bomb over the Pacific literally, The Guardian reported.
Earlier, President of the United States, Donald Trump, had in several occasion threatened North Korea of consequences if it pursued the nuclear tests any further. CIA chief Mike Pompeo also earlier stated North Korea could be months away from being capable of hitting the US with nuclear weapons. And experts are of the opinion that an atmospheric nuclear test could be a showcase of such ability.
On the other hand, Trump is set to visit Asia next week and the issue of North Korea is expected to surface in the discussions. He is also expected to highlight his campaign to pressure Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and missile programmes. However, Trump has not been successful to stop North Korea from conducting nuclear tests at an underground facility along with test-firing of ballistic missiles over Japan.
Recently, the US Navy said the aircraft carrier strike group Nimitz had entered the 7th fleet area of operation, which includes the western Pacific and Indian ocean, a move which might be viewed suspiciously by Beijing and Pyongyang.