U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis has said North Korea is the most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security in the world.
 
The Washington Post reported that Mattis singled out North Korea as America's biggest threat ahead of Russia in a remark at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Monday.
 
The paper assessed that the Pentagon chief had initially counted Russia as the U.S.' number one threat, but changed his position after five months on the job.
 
He said Pyongyang's "continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them has increased in pace and scope." He called the country's programs to build weapons of mass destruction "a clear and present danger to all."
 
He noted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's provocative actions haven't decreased despite UN sanctions.

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