Tremors that emanated Friday from North Korea's northeastern nuclear test site alerted the world to another crucial step that the isolated nation had made in its defiant, decade-long march to develop long-range missiles tipped with lightweight nuclear warheads. The apparent advancements have come despite a range of United Nations sanctions that have ground the North Korean economy to a halt. “They have enough capability to do that.”But Kristensen said what is missing is an open U.S. intelligence estimate of North Korea’s program. Even China, North Korea's only real ally, which has customarily used its diplomatic sway to shield North Korea from punishment, issued a statement condemning the detonation. The military has determined that the missiles were launched from North Korea but have not yet posed a threat to North America.

Source: Los Angeles Times September 09, 2016 23:03 UTC