North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test, which it said was an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile, marking a dramatic escalation in its stand-off with the US and its allies

When and where did it happen?

The test was carried out at 12:29pm local time on Sunday at the Punggye-ri site where North Korea has conducted nearly all of its past N-tests.

What is the strength of the latest test?

US monitors measured a 6.3-magnitude tremor near the North's main testing site, which South Korean experts said was five to six times stronger than that from the 10-kiloton test carried out a year ago. One expert said the size of the detonation meant it could be a hydrogen bomb test.

What is hydrogen bomb?

Hydrogen bombs or H-bombs - also known as thermonuclear devices - are far more powerful than the relatively simple atomic weapons. Hydrogen bombs use fusion - the merging of atoms - to unleash huge amounts of energy, whereas atomic bombs use nuclear fission, or the splitting of atoms.

What is Kim's end-game?

North Korea has been pursuing a nuclear device light enough to fit on a long-range ballistic missile that can hit US territories.

What are the options other than sanctions?

Enhanced containment by deploying more troops and military assets is considered

the most sensible option. But this strategy has only emboldened North Korea t undertake more nuclear and missile tests. Other options of outright invasion are very risky.

Source: Khaleej Times