North Korea stated its intention to launch missile attacks on a US air base in Guam after reports claimed Kim Jong-un had held talks with aides to discuss the ramifications of such an attack.
Donald Trump promised to retaliate with “fire and fury” in a Twitter outburst, as he told the rogue state’s despot leader his forces were “locked and loaded” on North Korea.
The Kim regime called off any attacks, instead choosing to wait on the “foolish Yankee’s” next move before firing their readied missiles, according to state media.
Amid the heightened tensions between Washington and Pyongyang, the US and South Korea have held their annual joint military exercises, something the North has long condemned.
With North Korea insisting the exercises are fuelling the fire, the leader of the US military in South Korea has said his forces are ready to move.
General Vincent Brooks said: “We have the responsibility of providing military options to our national leaders.
“Exercises are a way of making the option is a ready option, a capable option.
“Being in readiness to fight tonight, if we have to, is something we will do.”
Balbina Hwang, an expert on the rogue state, said the increased level of missile tests by the Kim regime shows why it is vital for the US to be ready for an attack.
She told PBS News: “It is very important for the UN forces, US and South Korea to be able to maintain modern and capable defences and deterrents – that is the purpose of the exercises.”
North Korea has appeared to have revealed details of two as-yet untested missile systems in its press coverage.
Photographs released by KCNA state news agency shows Kim Jong-un visiting a facility at the Academy of Defence Sciences shows wall charts describing the new missiles.
It is not the first time that North Korea has “accidentally” left details of important developments in the background of photoshoots, and this is seen by analysts as a mean of demonstrating its military power while sending messages to its enemies.
Kim Jong-un is said to have ordered scientists at the facility to produce more solid rocket fuel and warhead tips, which seemingly fit with the details displayed on the wall charts, according to state media.