North Korea on Thursday carried out what it said is the demolition of its nuclear test site in the presence of foreign journalists.
The Punggye-ri site in Kilju, North Hamgyong province, was regarded as one of the most important facilities in North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, along with the Yongbyon complex.
All six of the North's nuclear tests were carried out there, including the latest and most powerful detonation in September, Yonhap news agency reported.
Surrounded by more than 1,000-metre-high mountains and built into underground granite rocks, experts say that Punggye-ri had the optimal geographic conditions to withstand detonation shocks and reduce the risk of radioactive leaks.
It had four underground tunnels, which were said to have been constructed in order to prevent hazardous gas or debris from rupturing out. Multiple partition walls and locking doors were also installed to minimize risks.
It is said that the North's first nuclear test in 2006 was conducted at the eastern tunnel. It was closed due to radioactive contamination.
The second test in 2009 and the third one in 2013 were carried out in the western tunnel. The latest three tests are said to have taken place in the northern tunnels.
The Punggye-ri site in Kilju, North Hamgyong province, was regarded as one of the most important facilities in North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, along with the Yongbyon complex.
All six of the North's nuclear tests were carried out there, including the latest and most powerful detonation in September, Yonhap news agency reported.
Surrounded by more than 1,000-metre-high mountains and built into underground granite rocks, experts say that Punggye-ri had the optimal geographic conditions to withstand detonation shocks and reduce the risk of radioactive leaks.
It had four underground tunnels, which were said to have been constructed in order to prevent hazardous gas or debris from rupturing out. Multiple partition walls and locking doors were also installed to minimize risks.
It is said that the North's first nuclear test in 2006 was conducted at the eastern tunnel. It was closed due to radioactive contamination.
The second test in 2009 and the third one in 2013 were carried out in the western tunnel. The latest three tests are said to have taken place in the northern tunnels.
