SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – The United States has once again shown military might in a dramatic show of force against North Korea with the deployment of nuclear-capable bombers on the Korean Peninsula. The move follows a large anti-American rally North Korea recently held in its capital.
A statement issued by South Korea’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that long-range B-52 bombers took part in joint air exercises alongside US and South Korean fighter jets over the peninsula. These exercises are in response to North Korea’s continued efforts to expand its nuclear arsenal.
Just two weeks ago, the US stationed a nuclear-powered submarine carrying about 150 Tomahawk missiles in South Korean waters. Such a deployment was the first in six years, and was a direct response to North Korea’s resumption of missile tests, and the administration viewed it as a response to joint US-South Korea military exercises. The deployment of the B-52 bomber has significantly increased the visibility of US strategic assets in the region, according to South Korea’s Defense Ministry. He also emphasized the resolute determination of the US-ROK alliance to strengthen its joint defense capabilities. The article emphasizes that this is part of a broader effort to conduct joint exercises with US strategic bombers.
More than 120,000 North Koreans attended a recent mass rally in Pyongyang to mark the 73rd anniversary of the start of the Korean War. During these rallies, officials and locals expressed a determination to “relentless vengeance” against the United States, accusing it of planning an invasion. The Korean War ended in a truce, effectively turning the peninsula into a state of war. The US has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea as a deterrent against North Korean aggression.
North Korea has refrained from conducting public weapons tests since launching two short-range ballistic missiles in mid-June, but the use of US bombers could lead to further weapons tests in protest.
Increased visibility of U.S. strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula was agreed upon at a summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol in Washington earlier this year. President Biden specifically said that any nuclear attack by North Korea on the United States or its allies would result in the end of the regime in charge. North Korea has conducted more than 100 missile tests since early 2022 with the aim of expanding its arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland and South Korea. In response, the United States and its allies expanded military exercises in the region.
In late May, North Korea attempted to launch its first missile carrying a spy satellite, but the missile crashed into the sea shortly after launch and failed. Despite this setback, North Korea has said it intends to attempt a second launch, citing the need to develop a space surveillance system to counter what it sees as U.S. hostility.
By deploying nuclear-capable bombers and conducting joint air exercises, the United States is reaffirming its commitment to defense.
