North Korea says US could spark 'nuclear war' as bombers fly close to border

The Korean Peninsula is the world's "most dangerous hot spot" and could spark a nuclear war, a Pyongyang official says.

Saturday 24 September 2016 08:09, UK

A American B-1B bomber lands at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Image: An American B-1B bomber lands at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea
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North Korea has condemned the US for flying bombers over the South and vowed to boost nuclear capabilities despite UN  resolutions.

Speaking at the UN Assembly, Ri Yong Ho said the Korean Peninsula "has now been turned into the world's most dangerous hot spot".

The hot spot could "can even ignite the outbreak of a nuclear war," he added.

He blamed the United States and "its hostile policy" against North Korea.

Mr Ri claimed that American B-1B bombers which flew over South Korea earlier this week crossed the demarcation line separating the two Koreas.

North Korea submarine-launched ballistic missile
Image: A submarine-launched ballistic missile fired by North Korea

The US military has said at least one of two supersonic bombers that it flew over South Korea approached the border with North Korea.

The US flyover was the second in as many weeks and came two weeks after North Korea conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test.

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Mr Ri said "the United States will have to face tremendous consequences beyond imagination".

He said the North "will continue to take measures to strengthen its national nuclear armed forces in both quantity and quality".

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Image: John Kerry says North Korea is responsible for 'dangerous' actions

This would be done to "defend the dignity and ... and safeguard genuine peace vis-a-vis the increased nuclear war threat of the US."

US Secretary of State John Kerry said countries must enforce UN resolutions ensuring North Korea pays for "dangerous actions".

Mr Kerry vowed that the US would defend its own citizens against the North Korean threat and honour its security commitments to its allies.

Military experts are worried that North Korea is moving closer toward obtaining the ability to put nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles.

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Image: The Japanese PM has met with Fidel Castro amid concerns over North Korea

It is feared they are developing a growing arsenal that one day may include a reliable weapon that could reach the American mainland.

Elsewhere, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has met behind closed doors with Cuban President Raul Castro and his brother Fidel Castro amid the growing tensions in Asia with North Korea.

Mr Abe did not specify what kind of role Cuba might play in the regional crisis.