Anonymous – the global network of hacktivists – have released a video warning the world to prepare for World War III as tensions between the US and North Korea continue to simmer.

The sinister six-minute video posted to YouTube features the group's infamous Guy Fawkes masked character prophesying that a "fierce and brutal" global war is imminently set to break out, which will have "global consequences".

"All the signs of a looming war on the Korean peninsula are surfacing," Anonymous says. "Unlike previous world wars, although there will be ground troops the battle is likely to be fierce, brutal and quick. It will also be globally devastating on environmental and economical levels," it said.

Anonymous continues to explain the political situation involving "three superpowers" and the movement of each nation's "strategic pieces" around the stand-off between the US and North Korea. The hacking group explains how President Trump's successful testing of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile combined with China allegedly urging its citizens to leave North Korea immediately indicate a cataclysmic event is on the horizon.

The video talks of President Trump claiming he would be 'honoured' to meet Kim Jung-un was downplayed by White House press secretary Sean Spicer. Adding heat to the situation, Anonymous points out that Trump spoke with controversial Philippines President Duterte, which Anonymous believes could signal that something is afoot.

"When President Trump starts reaching out to those like President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines to ensure they are on the same page, then one must start to wonder. However, even Duterte has advised the US to back away from Kim Jong-un."

Anonymous signed off the video with the message: "prepare for what comes next. We are Anonymous. We are legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget."