North Korea says it is ready to launch a "sacred war" against South Korea on the basis of its "nuclear deterrent."

The North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said People’s Armed Forces Minister Kim Yong-chun issued the warning during a ceremony Thursday to mark the 19th anniversary of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il gaining leadership of the Korean People's Army.

Kim also threatened that should an all-out war occur, the North would “not only wipe out the aggressors but blow up their bases.”

Kim’s comments follow similar threats issued by North Korea in July and August when South Korea and the U.S. were conducting joint military drills.