United States’ Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis, popularly known as ‘Mad dog Mattis’ thanks to President Trump, has issued a stern warning to North Korea against any potential military conflict. He calls on North Korea to refrain from any strike as a counter strike by the United States would mean the end of its government/Kim dynasty and destruction of its people. The warning comes amid increasing war rhetoric from both sides. In response to North Korea’s threat, President Trump said that such threats will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen before. Tensions rose to a new level after United Nation's Security Council imposed new sanctions on North Korean exports that light lead to revenue loss worth $1 billion.

Here is the full statement from Jim Mattis, which was issued last night (all highlights/emphasis are ours),

“The United States and our allies have the demonstrated capabilities and unquestionable commitment to defend ourselves from an attack. Kim Jong Un should take heed of the United Nations Security Council’s unified voice, and statements from governments the world over, who agree the DPRK poses a threat to global security and stability. The DPRK must choose to stop isolating itself and stand down its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The DPRK should cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and the destruction of its people.

President Trump was informed of the growing threat last December and on taking office his first orders to me emphasized the readiness of our ballistic missile defense and nuclear deterrent forces. While our State Department is making every effort to resolve this global threat through diplomatic means, it must be noted that the combined allied militaries now possess the most precise, rehearsed and robust defensive and offensive capabilities on Earth. The DPRK regime’s actions will continue to be grossly overmatched by ours and would lose any arms race or conflict it initiates.”

While a direct war with North Korea may prove less lethal for the United States, it could mean heavy destruction for South Korea and complete annihilation of its capital Seoul. In addition to that, a direct conflict may lead to Russia and China joining the North Korean side, resulting in a global conflict in the region.