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The anniversary has led to increased concerns the regime is planning another test to fire another intercontinental ballistic missile, believed to be capable of reaching the US mainland. With tensions escalating, it is feared North Korea could turn on neighbouring South Korea, following warnings from Kim Jong-un's regime that it is ready to strike “without warning or prior notice”. North Korea is notorious for marking key events in its history with missile launches or similar acts of aggression.

North Korea v USA explosive latest pictures Wed, September 20, 2017 Images depict how tensions have escalated between North Korea and the United States. Kim Jong-Un boasted of North Korea's ability to strike any target in the US after a second ICBM test that weapons experts said could even bring New York into range - in a potent challenge to President Donald Trump Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 45 North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Hwasong-14 being lauched at an undisclosed place in North Korea

GETTY Kim Jong-un's regime has issued another threat to the United States

The most recent warning was issued by one of Kim Jong-un’s key generals, who called on the North Korean military to “wage dynamic struggle to bring final victory” on July 27. Pak Yong-sik, the minister of North Korea's armed forces, carried on the threats and called for a nuclear strike on the United States – even if Washington does not attack first. He said: "If enemies misunderstand our strategic status and stick to options of staging a pre-emptive nuclear attack against us, we will launch a nuclear attack on America's heart as the most relentless punishment without warning or prior notice."

GETTY Kim Jong-un signs the order to carry out the test-fire of the Hwasong-14 ICBM

The Korean War, in which the US fought alongside South Korea and China with the North, ended in a truce that has yet to be replaced by a peace agreement and has left the two sides technically at war. In recent days transporter vehicles carrying equipment used for firing ballistic missiles have been seen arriving in Kusong province. Kusong has been the site of North Korean missile tests in the past, including one held in May. That test saw a KN-17 intermediate range missile travel almost 500 miles before splashing down in the Sea of Japan/East Sea, hitting the water about 60 miles from Vladivostok in eastern Russia, according to US officials.

Pyongyang, in its last major missile test, launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4 - American Independence Day. The alert comes after officers from North Korea’s armed forces all participated in an oath ceremony on Tuesday, pledging to fight the US. Last week CIA director Mike Pompeo said the Trump administration needed to find a way to separate Kim Jong-un from his growing nuclear stockpile. Mr Pompeo said: "As for the regime, I am hopeful we will find a way to separate that regime from this system. “The North Korean people I'm sure are lovely people and would love to see him go."

GETTY It is feared North Korea could also turn on neighbouring South Korea

New photos show life in North Korea as you've never seen it before Tue, July 25, 2017 Daily life in the hermit state of North Korea is shrouded in secrecy. Tourists are allowed to visit the country on strictly monitored tours, however. These pictures taken from one such tour, shed some light on the life of ordinary North Korean citizens Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 28 A group of women selling fruit beside a road on the outskirts of Sinchon, south of Pyongyang