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Despot Kim Jong-un has sent Donald Trump a dire warning through the hermit state’s propaganda network in the wake of weeks of escalating tension. Amid an ever-tightening spiral of threat and counter-threat, North Korea warned America to prepare for an outright attack in retaliation for joint military drills between the USA and South Korea. These drills, held annually, are detested in North Korea where they are seen as preparation for an invasion by Kim’s Western enemies. The dictator said via a state-run news agency: “The Trump group's declaration of the reckless nuclear war exercises against the DPRK … is a reckless behaviour driving the situation into the uncontrollable phase of a nuclear war.

GETTY North Korea has warned the USA to prepare for 'nuclear war'

The Korean People's Army is keeping a high alert, fully ready to contain the enemies North Korea state media

Pyongyang also reiterated its claim the USA was now in direct threat of a military strike, warning Hawaii, Guam and the American mainland cannot “dodge the merciless strike”. The rogue state added it was on “high alert” and ready to lash out at the slightest provocation. The propaganda report said: “The Korean People's Army is keeping a high alert, fully ready to contain the enemies. It will take resolute steps the moment even a slight sign of the preventive war is spotted.” READ MORE: Will the USA attack North Korea?

In pictures: North Korea holds mass rally to protest U.N. sanctions Thu, August 10, 2017 Tens of thousands of North Koreans were pictured on the streets on the same day tensions between the pariah state and the United States escalated following President Donald Trump's threats of "fire and fury." Play slideshow 1 of 9

This most recent North Korea crisis was sparked by US president Donald Trump, who ignored historic US foreign policy towards North Korea and instead promised “fire and fury” towards the country if they did not soften their war-hungry rhetoric. This was immediately undermined by Kim, who promised to attack the US island territory of Guam. Mr Trump’s comments have since been criticised by several Washington heavyweights, including former presidential candidate John McCain. READ MORE: Does North Korea have nuclear weapons?

He said the US president should have showed restraint and had instead had his bluff called by Kim. Mr McCain said: "I take exception to the President's comments because you've got to be sure that you can do what you say you're going to do. "The great leaders I've seen don't threaten unless they're ready to act and I'm not sure President Trump is ready to act.”

GETTY North Korea has shown off its terrifying weapons in several military parades this year

It comes after North Korea bizarrely urged “all countries” to join in their hit against the “gangsters” and “riffraff” of the USA. Earlier this week a state-run newspaper based in Pyongyang said the USA had committed “terrorism” by pushing for sanctions, which were approved by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Kim said he hoped these sanctions would provoke other countries to join him in a great war against America.

GETTY North Korea promised to deliver a 'merciless strike' on the USA

The piece said: “All countries and peoples in the world opposing war and loving peace should courageously turn out in the struggle against imperialism and the US in order to set right the present unfair international order where injustice lords it over justice and high-handed and ego-driven practice prevails over truth and to build a new righteous and peaceful world. “We declare before the world once again our iron will to straightly advance along the road of simultaneously developing the two fronts without a moment's stop or vacillation, keenly realising how just we were when we decided to take the path of bolstering the nuclear force, now that the US-led hostile forces are running wild to stifle the DPRK.”

US and South Korea prepare for war against North Korea Mon, August 21, 2017 The South Korean and US military forces joint exercise is held from 21 to 31 August, to prepare for possible North Korean attacks Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 10 Emergency service members and volunteers take part in a mock hostage situation during an anti-terror drill in Goyang