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The hermit state hailed its recent detonation of a hydrogen bomb in a statement from the Korean People’s Army, praising the “thrilling nuclear thunder” as “heavy punishment” and a “sledgehammer blow” to Donald Trump.

And the North Korean military lashed out at the West, claiming the US is failing to take the country seriously over its nuclear warheads, with their preferred action being “brigandish sanctions”.

The propaganda message also hit out at US imperialists, who are “bringing the worst touch-and-go situation on the Korean peninsula while being carried away by ill-advised bravery”.

The statement read: “Our Republic already warned them spending a hard time of every minute of their miserable lot while putting their necks into the noose with their own hands to reasonably think and pass correct judgment if they wanted to avoid a fresh blow from us in front of the world.