SEOUL – North Korea has successfully detonated a nuclear device in the Northeastern province of Hamgyong, causing an explosion with a magnitude of 5.1, geological surveys in China and the U.S. said.

The detonation originated at a depth of about 1 kilometer in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, 378km (235mi) NE of Pyongyang at 1157KST and attracted strong condemnation from the U.S., China and Russia.

“We can confirm that the test was conducted safely and perfectly at a high level, did not negatively affect the surrounding environment and was conducted with a higher-yield, smaller, lighter atomic device” North Korea’s official state mouthpiece the