N.Korea threatens to 'wipe out' U.S. in event of new war

The warning follows Washington's pledge to provide an "extended" nuclear umbrella for South Korea against the threat of a nuclear strike from the North, as tensions grow over the reclusive state's nuclear activities.

North Korea also pledged "dark clouds of nuclear war" and a "fire shower of nuclear retaliation" so that the South will not survive under the U.S. nuclear umbrella.

However, the Pentagon was dismissive over the North's threat.

Pyongyang carried out a nuclear test on May 25 followed by a series of short-range missile launches, and has threatened to build up its nuclear arsenal to counter what it calls hostile U.S. policies.

The move led to the UN imposing new sanctions on North Korea banning the import and export of nuclear material and all weapons except small arms.

U.S. President Barack Obama extended on Wednesday sanctions against North Korea for one more year, saying the country is still considered a security threat.

Relations deteriorated last year when a round of six-nation talks ended in deadlock after the U.S. demanded samples be taken from North Korean facilities for further analysis, Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version.