North Korea has said it will defend itself “by powerful force of arms” in response to the US deployment of a Navy strike group to the Korean peninsula.

The foreign ministry, quoted by state news agency KCNA, said the deployment showed “reckless moves for invading” had “reached a serious phase”, reports the BBC.

The US Pacific Command says it is aimed at maintaining readiness in the region.

President Trump has said the US is prepared to act alone to deal with the nuclear threat from North Korea.

Meanwhile South Korea and China- who is North Korea’s closest ally - have warned of more stringent sanctions if Pyongyang conducts more missile tests.

BDST: 1119 HRS, APR 11, 2017
SR