The DPRK has lashed out at US President Barack Obama for his condemnation of the country's fifth nuclear test, saying it was the US that compelled the country to develop nuclear arms.

In a statement read on state television, DPRK's Foreign Ministry said the US "nuclear threat and blackmail constantly imposed" on the nation "were the engine that pushed" the situation to this point. It said Obama is "foolish" for ignoring the DPRK's "strategic position as a legitimate nuclear power state". It went on to say that the DPRK will continue developing its nuclear capabilities.

This statement comes two days after the DPRK's announcement that it had successfully carried out a nuclear warhead explosion.