PYONGYANG, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday slammed the United States for the announcement of an early evacuation drill as "a prelude of war for invading the DPRK."

The United States announced the plan for an evacuation drill to frighten the DPRK, as it used to conduct such drills in secrecy, said the official Rodong Sinmun daily in a commentary.

"This is nothing but a prelude of a war for invading the DPRK and an open declaration of the U.S. to ignite a war at any moment," said the commentary.

It would be foolish for the United States to think that its citizens could flee home safe if it starts a war on the Korean Peninsula, as the DPRK can strike the U.S. mainland now, said the article.

"In the past Korean War, the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces could return to their homes though they were badly beaten. But now if a war breaks out, even survivors cannot seek a shelter anywhere," said the commentary.

"The U.S. would be well advised to urgently take measures to save the lives of hundreds of millions of Americans in the mainland rather than being concerned about security of those in South Korea," it added.