North Korea issued a threat against the U.S., saying its safety on the mainland would become vulnerable if Washington steps up its hostile policy toward Pyongyang.

The threat was carried on Friday in an individual commentary in the Rodong Sinmun, a mouthpiece of North Korea's Labor Party. The commentary was in response to the U.S. defense department's recent report that singled out North Korea as a potential threat.

The article claimed that the U.S. has set its primary sights on North Korea as a target for attack and warned that if provoked, the North would prepare accordingly. It also said any attempt to pressure the North by strengthening ties with Japan would only strengthen Pyongyang's resolve.

Earlier this month, the Department of Defense pointed to the North as a potential threat, and revealed plans to closely work with Seoul to stem any provocation by Pyongyang.