DHAKA: North Korea says it will put two detained US tourists on trial, accusing them of "committing hostile acts".    

Miller Todd and Jeffrey Fowle have been investigated and will be brought before a court, BBC reported.                                             

It said that suspicions about the two men had been confirmed by evidence and the pair's own statements, but gave no further details.

A US-Korean missionary, Kenneth Bae, is currently serving a 15-year sentence. 

He was arrested in November 2012 and later convicted of trying to overthrow the North Korean government. 

Jeffrey Fowle entered North Korea on 29 April and was detained in early June as he was leaving the country, according to North Korean reports. 

Japanese agency Kyodo said Fowle was arrested because he left a Bible at a hotel.    

Matthew Todd Miller was arrested on 10 April, KCNA reported.

The agency said he had torn up his tourist visa, shouting that he had "come to the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) after choosing it as a shelter".  

North Korea uses the arrested Americans as diplomatic bargaining chips. 

In the past, senior US figures including former President Bill Clinton have travelled to the country to ensure the release of American detainees.

BDST: 0953 HRS, JUN 30, 2014