North Korea has said that it has missiles that can hit the United States. This statement comes just two days after Seoul struck a deal with the U.S. to extend the range of its own missile system.
Pyongyang is thought to be working on a long range missile that can travel 6700km, but two recent rocket tests have failed recently. Analysts believe the intention of Kim Jong-un's regime is to put the United States mainland with striking range.
The country is under heavy U.N. sanctions that have cut off its previously lucrative arms trade. This has further isolated the state after its failed 2009 missile test was heavily criticised even by its one major ally, China.
North Korea's National Defence Commission said in a statement that it was prepared to counter any U.S. military threats.
The two Koreas remain technically at war following the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in an armistice. The United States provides security guarantees for its ally with more than 20,000 troops stationed in the South.
