Gulf States Express 'Great' Concern Over North Korea's Hydrogen Bomb Test

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is deeply concerned over North Korea's recent nuclear test, which could threaten both regional and global security, the bloc's chief said on Thursday.

CAIRO (Sputnik) — Last week, an earthquake was felt all across the Korean peninsula, prompting Seoul's suspicions that Pyongyang had performed another nuclear test. Just hours later, North Korea confirmed that it had indeed tested a hydrogen bomb, and that it was successful.

"The Member States of the GCC have expressed great concern over the nuclear test conducted by North Korea, as it could pose a threat to stability and security on the Korean peninsula," GCCs' Secretary General Abdullatif bin Rashid Zayani said in a statement.

The test was also a violation of international law, the bloc's head said, stressing the GCC was supporting all efforts to prevent the spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).

In 2005, North Korea declared itself a nuclear power. So far, it has conducted four underground nuclear weapon tests — in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2016, raising concerns of both the neighboring states and the international community, and prompting the UN Security Council impose sanctions against Pyongyang.

In December 2015, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the country had a hydrogen bomb and was ready to use it to "protect its sovereignty and national dignity."