North Korea says it will "counter" any U.S. military exercises

North Korea said on Saturday that it would "counter the U.S." if military exercises were conducted, and the U.S. will "own all responsibilities for the ensuing consequences," Reuters reports.

“If the U.S. finally holds joint military exercises while keeping sanctions on the DPRK, the DPRK will counter the U.S. by its own mode of counteraction and the U.S. will be made to own all responsibilities for the ensuing consequences."

Why it matters: Per Reuters, the U.S. and South Korea plan to start joint exercises in April. North Korea said through KCNA that drills "would harm reconciliation efforts," and that the regime will not "beg for dialogue" with the U.S.

• Go deeper: U.S. Marines are training to fight in cold weather, with eyes on North Korea.