North Korea Says It's Ready To Strike

There was a new round of violent rhetoric from North Korea on Thursday, with the government claiming it has powerful striking means and is on standby for a missile launch.

It's the latest threat from North Korea's young leader Kim Jong Un.

The threats are raising tensions on the Korean peninsula and in response, South Korea is increasing surveillance and security.

A spokesman for South Korea's defense ministry said the country can defend itself against a North Korean missile strike, with its Patriot Air Defense Missile System.

the BBC's John Sudworth has this report from Seoul on how North Korea's threats are being interpreted.