North Korea backs off Guam missile threat: report

North Korea is backing off a threat to fire missiles at the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, according to a new report.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he had decided not to launch an attack but warned he could change his mind.

“If the Yankees persist in their extremely dangerous reckless actions on the Korean Peninsula and in its vicinity, testing the restraint of the DPRK [North Korea], the [North] will make an important decision as it already declared,” Kim said, according to the country’s state media and as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The statement could help reduce tensions in the region.

{mosads}President Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric after North Korea carried out ballistic missile tests, warning the country that it would face “fire and fury” if it continued to threaten the U.S. and its allies.

North Korea responded by threatening an attack on Guam, saying an attack plan could be in place by mid-August.

Defense Secretary James Mattis on Monday warned Pyongyang that if a missile were to hit the U.S. territory it would be treated as an act of war.

“If they shoot at the United States, I’m assuming they hit the United States. If they do that, it’s game on,” he said.

North Korean media reportedly said Kim had made the decision not to fire missiles at Guam after being briefed by his top commanders.