U.S. Bomber Participates in Military Exercises with South Korea

Officials in Seoul indicated today, Friday, that "a U.S. strategic bomber of the B-52 type participated in military exercises with South Korea." The South Korean Ministry of Defense stated that "the U.S. military also took part with F-16 and F-15 fighter jets alongside the bomber, joined by South Korean F-35 and KF-16 fighters." The ministry added: "The exercises, along with a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine equipped with cruise missiles that recently arrived in South Korea for the first time in six years, signal an improvement in the pace of U.S. strategic asset deployment and enhancement." It also mentioned: "The exercises demonstrate the commitment of the two allied countries to strengthen their joint defense posture by improving operations between extended deterrent forces, including U.S. nuclear capability and the advanced conventional weapons of our military." North Korea condemned the exercises as preparations for war and accused the allies of escalating the "nuclear threat."