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North Korea blows up nuclear test tunnels amid doubts over summit
North Korea followed through on a pledge to blow up tunnels used for nuclear testing on Thursday, media reported, as part of steps that have reduced tension on the Korean peninsula and raised the possibility of a summit with the United States.
North Korea has conducted all six of its nuclear tests at the Punggye-ri site, which consists of tunnels dug beneath Mount Mantap in the northeast of the country.
A small group of international media selected by North Korea was on hand to witness the demolition, which Pyongyang says is proof of its commitment to end nuclear testing.
The destruction of the site began at about 11 a.m. with the blowing up and collapsing of a tunnel and an observation post.
After some time, it destroyed another tunnel and other facilities, then a third tunnel and another observation post.
About five hours after beginning the operation, it destroyed two military barracks, South Korean media said in pool reports.