Pyongyang will interpret any U.S. interception of a long-range missile test-fired toward the Pacific Ocean as a “clear declaration of war,” Kim Yo Jong warned via state media on Tuesday, amid growing tensions surrounding upcoming U.S.-ROK military exercises.

The DPRK leader’s sister was responding to unconfirmed comments by Admiral John C. Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who reportedly said the U.S. would “immediately” shoot down any intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fired over the U.S territory of Guam or into the Pacific region.