US Conducts Exercise with Nuclear-Capable Bombers in Latest Response to North Korean Actions

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In an escalated display of force against North Korea, the United States flew nuclear-armed bombers over the Korean Peninsula on Friday. This comes after North Korea recently orchestrated large anti-U.S. demonstrations in its capital.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry reported that long-range B-52 bombers participated in combined air drills with other U.S. and South Korean fighter jets over the peninsula. This bomber deployment marks the most recent of a series of temporary U.S. strategic asset placements in South Korea, a response to North Korea’s continued drive to expand its nuclear arsenal.

Two weeks prior, the United States made its first deployment of a nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Michigan, capable of housing about 150 Tomahawk missiles to South Korean waters in six years. This occurred just a day after North Korea recommenced missile tests in retaliation to previous U.S.-South Korean exercises, which it perceives as practice for an invasion.

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South Korea’s Defense Ministry stated that the B-52 bombers’ arrival on the peninsula increases the visibility of U.S. strategic assets. The ministry noted that the allies are committed to reinforcing their joint defense stances and will continue with the incorporation of U.S. strategic bombers in their exercises.

Last Sunday, over 120,000 North Koreans took part in mass gatherings in Pyongyang to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War’s commencement. During these gatherings, officials and citizens pledged “ruthless retribution” against the U.S. for the war and accused it of scheming an invasion of North Korea.

Since the Korean War ended in an armistice instead of a peace treaty, the Korean Peninsula technically remains in a state of war. As a preventative measure against possible North Korean aggression, the U.S. maintains a military presence of about 28,000 troops in South Korea.

In light of the U.S. bomber deployment, North Korea may resume weapon tests as an act of protest, even though no public weapons tests have taken place since its June 15 launch of two short-range ballistic missiles.

At their Washington summit in April, U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to enhance the “regular visibility of U.S. strategic assets” in the Korean Peninsula. President Biden warned that any nuclear attack by North Korea on the U.S. or its allies would lead to the downfall of the offending regime.

Throughout 2022, North Korea has conducted over 100 missile tests as part of their effort to increase their arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles aimed at the U.S. mainland and South Korea. In response, the allies have stepped up their military exercises.

In late May, a North Korean rocket carrying the nation’s first spy satellite failed to reach orbit, falling into the sea shortly after launch. Despite this setback, North Korea has consistently stated its intention to attempt a second launch, asserting the need for a space-based surveillance system to counteract perceived U.S. hostility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about US-North Korea Tensions

More about US-North Korea Tensions

• Recent North Korean missile tests
• U.S. military presence in South Korea
• Biden’s stance on North Korea
• North Korean anti-U.S. demonstrations
• North Korea’s nuclear program