AN earthquake registering 2.6 on the Richter scale struck a 3km area in the west of North Korea earlier today.

The epicentre appears to be south west of the capital Pyongyang and not near any known nuclear testing sites.

[지진 발생] 08월 15일 21시 32분, 규모 2.6, 북한 황해북도 송림 동쪽 3km 지역 pic.twitter.com/41W6BypSVC — 김성한_Weatherman (@alvaksh) August 15, 2017

There is currently no indication that this was a result of a nuclear weapon test, and prior to the quake state media had reported the supreme leader had decided against a test at this time.

Additionally, in March last year a natural quake struck in a similar area.

Fears the country was readying itself for a test were sparked after it was Kim Jong-un vanished from the public eye two weeks ago.

The North Korean dictator hadn't been seen since he was pictured by state media on July 28 celebrating the test launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile.

But during his first known public appearance in nearly three weeks, maniacal dictator Kim was pictured pouring over military plans for launching a missile at the US territory of Guam.

11 Kim Jong-un was last seen on July 28 at the test launch of an ICBM Hwasong-14

11 The dictator was shown in images released by state media

11 The test launch of the missile further escalated tensions with the US Credit: AP:Associated Press

11 The satellite image (circled) appears to show the US Air Force Base in Guam Credit: Reuters

11 The fridge-raiding despot pictured with his fanatical troops as his war of words with the US continues Credit: KCNA

11 Kim's latest outing was a typical propaganda-laden show of strength from the nuke-wielding strongman dictator Credit: KCNA

But despite appearing to back down, officials told US media that satellites have observed DPRK mobile missile launcher movement - suggesting an intermediate-ballistic missile may be being prepared.

And chillingly, a satellite image in the background of one of the pictures shows America's Anderson Air Force Base in Guam.

The nuke-wielding despot said he would continue watch the "foolish and stupid conduct of the Yankees" before deciding to order the missile strike, reports the Korean Central News Agency.

Kim said the hermit kingdom will attack the US territory if the "Yankees persist in their extremely dangerous reckless actions on the Korean Peninsula and its vicinity".

He added that the United States should "think reasonably and judge properly" to avoid shame, the propaganda-spouting news agency said.

The country is now awaiting Kim's approval before pressing the button.

11 The US island territory of Guam has been drawn into the crisis

11 Dictator Kim Jong-un is pictured inspecting plans for a missile attack on US territory Guam Credit: Reuters

11 A US Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber takes off for a 10-hour mission from Andersen Air Force Base earlier this month Credit: Reuters

11 US President Donald Trump has promised to unleash 'fire and fury' against North Korea if Kim continues to make threats Credit: AP:Associated Press

11 The crackpot communist state has conducted a series of ballistic missile tests this year Credit: AP:Associated Press

North Korea has previously threatened to fire four Hwasong-12 rockets to land in the sea 17 miles from Guam ‘by mid-August’.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis yesterday warned "it could escalate into war very quickly" if the Secret State fires at the US.

The Pentagon chief added: "If they shoot at the United States, I'm assuming they've hit the United States... If they do that, then it's game on," CNN reported.

"You don't shoot at people in this world unless you want to bear the consequences."

US President Donald Trump has warned North Korea it is “locked and loaded” and to expect “fire and fury” if the threats are carried out.

The UN has already passed sanctions as North Korea continues to develop its weapons programme and carry out test launches.

In a statement released last week by the North Korea’s KCNA media channel, the dictatorship vowed to mercilessly wipe out the provocateurs making desperate efforts to “stifle” their leader.

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Guam is situated around 1,500 miles to the west of the Philippines and just over 2,000 miles from North Korea.

Crucially, the island is also a strategic US military outpost and is home to more than 6,000 US service personnel.

American military bases occupy nearly 30 per cent of Guam’s land, including the Andersen Air Force Base and the Naval Base Guam.

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