Washington/Seoul: In a show of force, a US B-52 bomber capable of delivering nuclear weapons along with its F-16 and South Korean F-15 fighters conducted a low-level flight close to North Korea in response to Pyongyang’s recent nuclear test that heightened the tension in the region.
“This was a demonstration of the ironclad US commitment to our allies in South Korea, in Japan, and to the defense of the American homeland,” said Admiral Harry B. Harris, commander of the US Pacific Command.
“North Korea’s nuclear test is a blatant violation of its international obligations. US joint military forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacific will continue to work with all of our regional allies and partners to maintain stability and security,” he said after the flyover.
The bilateral flight mission over Osan Air Base, some 100-km from the North Korean border, demonstrates the strength of the alliance between the United States and South Korea and the resolve of both nations to maintain stability and security on the Korean Peninsula, PACOM said in a statement.
US Pacific Command is responsible for all US Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps forces over half the earth’s surface.
