The US military on Saturday responded to recent missile attacks from North Korea by flying two supersonic bombers alongside South Korean and Japanese warplanes.
North Korea drew international ire on Friday after it tested firing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and with a range that could reach anywhere on the US mainland.
The United States and its regional allies have condemned the move and accused Pyongyang of trying to destabilize the region as it seeks to bolster its nuclear program and gain geopolitical prowess through its military advances.
In this photo provided by the South Korean Defense Ministry, two US Air Force B-1B bombers, top center, South Korean Air Force F-35 fighter jets, and US Air Force F-16 fighter jets, bottom left, fly over the peninsula of South Korea during a joint air exercise in South Korea on Saturday, November 19, 2022.
(South Korean Ministry of Defense via AP)
NORTH KOREA TESTS LAUNCH BALLISTIC MISSILE CAPABLE OF STRIKE ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly watched the ICMB launch on Friday with his wife and “beloved daughter” in what some saw as a sign of his growing confidence in Pyongyang’s ability to deal with the best military , such as the US military.
The United States deployed B-1B supersonic bombers in joint exercises over South Korea earlier this month for the first time in five years after North Korea stepped up missile tests and overt aggression in the region.
This photo released by the North Korean government shows what it says is a test fire of a Hwasong-17 ICBM at an undisclosed location in North Korea on March 24, 2022.
(Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, file)
NORTH KOREA LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILE WHICH LANDED NEAR SOUTH KOREA: SEOUL
The B-1B – which reportedly annoys Kim with its ability to deliver a huge payload of conventional guided and unguided weapons – has been dubbed the “backbone” of the US bomber force according to an Air Force statement. American.
“It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time,” the statement said. Adding that its “low radar cross section” allows the bomber to form “a robust integrated defense system that supports penetration of hostile airspace”.
In this photo provided by the South Korean Defense Ministry, a US Air Force B-1B bomber, sixth from upper left, South Korean Air Force F-35 fighter jets and US Air Force F-16 fighter jets, left, fly over the peninsula of South Korea during a joint air exercise in South Korea on Saturday, November 19, 2022.
(South Korean Ministry of Defense via AP)
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At Japan’s request, the United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday on North Korea’s latest ballistic missile launch.
Though the council’s ability to do anything to punish Pyongyang seems unlikely given China and Russia’s blockade earlier this year on attempts to further sanction North Korea for violating the UN charter by expanding its nuclear and ballistic capabilities.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
