Kim Jong Un Threatens 'Powerful Measures' Against US Over 'Grave Military Provocations'

North Korea's Kim Jong Un threatened powerful action against the U.S. if it did not halt joint military drills with South Korea. 

What Happened: The North Korean foreign ministry, in a statement released on official media, demanded that the U.S. and South Korea stop large-scale military exercises, calling them a provocation that may draw "more powerful follow-up measures."

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"The situation in the Korean Peninsula and its vicinity has entered the serious confrontation phase of power for power again due to the ceaseless and reckless military moves of the U.S. and South Korea," the foreign ministry said in a statement. 

"If the US continuously persists in the grave military provocations, the DPRK will take into account more powerful follow-up measures," it added.

This comes after the U.S. and Seoul started their joint air drills this week, which will run through Friday. Also known as Vigilant Storm, it involves about 240 aircraft in about 1,600 sorties to "hone their wartime capabilities," the U.S. 7th Air Force said in a statement. 

"If the U.S. does not want any serious developments not suited to its security interests, it should stop the useless and ineffective war exercises at once," North Korea said. 

"If not, it will have to totally take the blame for all the consequences," added North Korea.

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