Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are continuing to rise after the DPRK and South Korea exchanged heavy artillery fire earlier this week, killing 4 South Koreans. The DPRK warns new skirmishes may break out during the joint military drills between the US and South Korea, which start on Sunday.

The DPRK criticized the US for sending an aircraft carrier and other warships to the region to take part in the joint military exercises off the Western coast of South Korea. It warned again that the exercises are pushing the Korean Peninsula closer to the brink of war.

KRT Newsreader said, "Escalated confrontation would lead to a war and he who is fond of playing with fire is bound to perish therein. Gone are the days when verbal warnings alone are served. We will respond to good faith in kind but punish the provocateurs encroaching upon our dignity and sovereignty with resolute and merciless counter-action."

The DPRK also said it is regrettable that civilian casualties occurred in its artillery attacks on the Yeonpyeong Island.

But it accused the south of using civilians as human shields around artillery positions.

The DPRK statement followed tough warnings from a South Korean marine commander. He has vowed revenge for the two marines who were killed in the attacks.

Meanwhile, the South Korean military says the joint exercises with the US will be held as planned.

Lee- Bung-Woo, Spokesman of S. Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff, said, "The purpose of this joint military exercises is to reinforce restraint on the DPRK and to enhance regional stability. It is taking place to improve the combined operations of South Korean and US forces, and to display the determination of the South Korea-US alliance."

As the US aircraft carrier group, led by the nuclear-powered USS George Washington, will take part in the 4-day drill, analysts say the move will further aggrevate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.