Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, this week ordered an increase in preparedness for war, North Korean state television reported.

On Monday of this week, the US and South Korea began their annual joint military exercise, with the participation of twice the number of soldiers compared to last year.

The North Korean regime called for an end to the drills and called them "preparations for war", but Washington says the drill is for defense and a response to North Korea's threats.