North Korea Warns It May Retaliate

North Korea says it may retaliate after its failed rocket test prompted the US to cut off food aid. Pyongyang holds that the launch was peaceful, and that Washington's move invalidated a deal requiring the North to halt nuclear and missile tests. "We have thus become able to take necessary retaliatory measures, free from the agreement," the country's foreign ministry said, without specifying what those measures might be, the AP reports. "The US will be held wholly accountable for all the ensuing consequences."

"Peace is very dear for us but the dignity of the nation and the sovereignty of the country are dearer for us," it added. Pyongyang slammed the UN Security Council for condemning the launch. "We resolutely and totally reject the unreasonable behavior of the UNSC to violate (our) legitimate right to launch satellites," officials said, according to Reuters. Asked whether the US would consider a surgical strike to deter any North Korean nuclear ambitions, a US military officer said "all options" were on the table. (More North Korea stories.)