Updated

North Korea has again threatened to destroy the United States and South Korea. The communist North issued its latest war rhetoric on the eve of its army's anniversary.

The official Korean Central News Agency says that People's Armed Forces Minster Kim Yong Chun issued the warning Sunday in a Pyongyang national meeting ahead of the army's founding anniversary.

KCNA cites Kim as saying the North's military knows no mercy and will "wipe out" the allies if they ignite a war.

The United States and South Korea launched annual joint drills in late February. Seoul's Defense Ministry says some part of the training are still under way.

North Korea has repeatedly threatened war over the drills, which it views as an attack preparation.