Despite strong opposition from the rest of the world, North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on September 9^th, the 68^th anniversary of the founding of North Korea.

The explosive yield of the nuclear test was estimated to be ten kilotons, a four kiloton increase from the fourth test, making it the most powerful yet. In response to the nuclear test, South Korea’s NIS (National Intelligence Service) expressed concern during an emergency meeting that the North’s aim is to miniaturize the nuclear weapon enough to be able to mount it on the Scud-type missile, and that it is progressing faster than expected.