North Korea has again issued a statement urging the United States and South Korea to stop joint military drills, in terms that could be interpreted as a threat to use nuclear weapons.

Pak Jong Chon, secretary of the Central Committee of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, issued the statement dated on Tuesday.

It follows the foreign ministry's statement on Monday to demand an immediate halt to the combined air force drills scheduled through Friday.

Pak's statement refers to the exercises and says, "Such military rashness and provocation can be no longer tolerated."

Pak said if the US and South Korea attempt to use armed forces against North Korea, the special means of its armed forces will carry out their strategic mission without delay. He added, "The US and South Korea will have to face a terrible case and pay the most horrible price in history."

North Korea adopted a law in September that acknowledges its nuclear force's mission to "repel the aggression and attack of the hostile forces."

Pyongyang maintains a "power for power" policy against the US and South Korea. International concerns are growing about the possibility that the North will conduct a seventh nuclear test.