N. Korea warns of 'super-mighty strike' after U.S. Navy gaffe

The North Korean state media has warned the United States of a "super-mighty pre-emptive strike" if it interferes to try and disrupt North Korea's nuclear program.

"In the case of our super-mighty pre-emptive strike being launched, it will completely and immediately wipe out not only U.S. imperialists' invasion forces in South Korea and its surrounding areas, but the U.S. mainland and reduce them to ashes," The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling Workers' Party, said on Thursday.

"Like North Korea, which is often accused of displaying fake missiles during military parades, is the United States, too, now employing 'bluffing' as its North Korea policy?" the editorial added.

North Korea has threatened to annihilate South Korea, Japan and the U.S. in aggressive rantings in the past.

Tensions around the Korean peninsula are severely heightened following a series of North Korean missile launches.

North Korea fired ballistic missile to mark a national celebration. It failed, but was the latest in a series of missile launches that have antagonised Pynonygang's neighbours and world powers.

In response, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. was considering whether to re-add North Korea to its list of state sponsors of terrorism.