North Korea says conducted nuclear test

SEOUL, Oct 9 (Reuters) North Korea today said it had safely and successfully carried out an underground nuclear test, flying in the face of a warning from the UN Security Council.

South Korea's military ordered army units to step up their state of alert after the announcement by the reclusive communist state, which came as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Seoul.

The US Geological Survey said it had detected a 4.2 magnitude quake in North Korea at 1035 hrs local time (0705 hrs IST) today, confirming a similar report from South Korea.

US defence officials were still saying they could not confirm a nuclear test, however.

Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said there was no leak or danger from its test, which diplomats had predicted would be conducted in the north of the country near the border with China.

''The nuclear test was conducted with indigenous wisdom and technology 100 per cent,'' KCNA said.

''It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the KPA (Korean People's Army) and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defence capability.'' Analysts say North Korea probably has enough fissile material to make six to eight nuclear bombs but probably does not have the technology to devise one small enough to mount on a missile.

''If it is only one weapon, it would be a positive sign,'' former UN weapons inspector David Albright told CNN television.

''If they conducted two, three or four tests it would be more worrisome because it would suggest they were conducting ... a series of tests that would allow them to create a much better arsenal.'' MORE REUTERS DKA BD1138