"The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves, and our allies," US ambassador Nikki Haley told the UN.

"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them, if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction," she added.

The threats were made following an ICBM test by Kim's men.

Following North Korea's missile test, the US and South Korea too fired missiles into the Sea of Japan as part of their respective military drills.

The Kim Jong-un led government has been adamant about its use of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), frequently testing and threatening its neighbours.

North Korea has so far tested or fired 11 missiles this year, disobeying a ban imposed on the nation by the United Nations.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump also criticised China for its trade with North Korea, but said that he'll wait for China's cooperation in the matter.

"Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try,' his tweet read.

The US has repeatedly urged China to take up issues with North Korea and stop the reclusive nation from conducting missile tests.