Three 'explosions' heard in North Korea

The South Korean military today said three apparent explosions were heard just north of the Korean border, where North Korean troops are stationed. It was not immediately clear what caused the noises.

The South’s joint chiefs of staff said the possible explosions near the centre of the demilitarised zone dividing the Koreas were heard in the South Korean city of Cheolwon between 10.10am local time (1.10am Irish time) and 11.20am local time (2.20 Irish time).

A military official said they may have been “just normal explosions”, required for regular mining operations or construction and regularly heard in the South.

Another military official, who also asked not to be named, noted there was an army range in the area, indicating the explosions may have been part of military drills.

The North conducted its first-ever nuclear test on October 9 in the country’s remote north-east, far from the border with the South.