North Korea steps up threats over drills; U.S. Congress advances sanctions bill

SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea ramped up threatening language against the United States on Friday, days before the start of annual joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises, while a bill to stiffen sanctions against Pyongyang advanced in the U.S. Congress.

North Korea regularly protests the drills, which it calls a rehearsal for war and recently stepped up its own air, sea and ground military exercises, adding to tension between the rival Koreas.