North Korea: War is inevitable

North Korea has reportedly said that a nuclear conflict in the region is unavoidable, accusing CIA Director Mike Pompeo of provocation.

According to The Associated Press, a spokesperson for the North’s Foreign Ministry said Pompeo has aggravated Pyongyang by “impudently criticizing our supreme leadership which is the heart of our people.”

“We do not wish for a war but shall not hide from it, and should the U.S. miscalculate our patience and light the fuse for a nuclear war, we will surely make the U.S. dearly pay the consequences with our mighty nuclear force which we have consistently strengthened,” the unidentified spokesperson said in remarks originally reported by the Korean Central News Agency.

{mosads}The remarks come as the United States and South Korea participate in collaborative military exercises on the Korean Peninsula.

“Through the drill, the South Korean and U.S. air forces displayed the allies’ strong intent and ability to punish North Korea when threatened by nuclear weapons and missiles,” South Korea’s military said, the AP reported. 

President Trump has cautioned North Korea against making provocations toward the U.S. 

North Korea late last month launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that Defense Secretary James Mattis said “went higher, frankly, than any previous shot they’ve taken.”