US deploys nuclear bombers & aircraft carrier strike force to North Korea in chilling warning to Kim Jong-un
THE United States today deployed a fleet of nuclear bombers and fighter jets over North Korea in a chilling warning to Kim Jong-un.
The formidable B-52 bombers flew to the Korean Peninsula in a show of strength after the dictator vowed to "plunge his rivals into despair."
The US long-range planes took part in joint aerial drills with South Korean fighter jets on Wednesday.
It was the first deployment of the B-52 bombers to the peninsula in a month, South Korea's Defense Ministry said.
They can be fitted with nuclear-able cruise missiles and precision air-to-surface rockets, as well as carrying more than 30 tonnes of bombs.
The drills were a direct jab at brutal tyrant Kim Jong Un, amid fears that North Korea might conduct its first nuclear test since 2017.
READ MORE WORLD NEWS
The countries teamed up to "show the strong resolve of the (South) Korea-U.S. alliance and its perfect readiness to respond to any provocation by North Korea swiftly and overwhelmingly," Lt. Gen. Park Ha Sik, commander of the South Korean air force operation command, said in a statement.
Both nations have bolstered their combined military drills in response to North Korea's mounting threats of unleashing missiles and nukes.
Just last week, the US sent the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz aircraft carrier for joint naval training with South Korea.
It was followed by the parade in the skies of the B-52 bombers as well as anti-submarine drills this week.
Most read in The Sun
Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney said the maritime exercises were "a tangible symbol of a shared goal in ensuring regional stability and economic well-being for all nations."
The commander of Carrier Strike Group 11 added: "The U.S., Japan, and Korea are three maritime nations who share a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific by working together to develop mutual trust, partnership, and capability."
But North Korea is gearing up for an ambush on all fronts - and claims to have tested a new nuclear underwater attack drone that triggers a "radioactive tsunami" in early March.
Disturbing satellite pictures also showed a flurry of activity at the country's main nuclear complex in the wake of Kim's latest threats.
The images emerged soon after he ordered increased production of bomb fuel to expand his rogue state's nuclear weapons arsenal.
The allies conducted their biggest field exercises in five years last month, practicing war games with computer simulations and field training exercises.
Pictures showed tanks and choppers readying for drills at a training field in the border city of Yeoncheon.
This further riled Kim, who accused the US of preparing to invade his homeland and said he would squash their plot with "the toughest counteraction".
He ordered his troops to be on standby to respond to the "frantic war preparation moves" from the US and South Korea - which he views as an invasion rehearsal.
As the drills kicked off, North Korea fired two cruise missiles from a submarine off its east coast in an apparent retaliation.
Although North Korea views the military exercises as a major security threat, America and South Korea said the drills are defensive.
Kim was last week seen inspecting nuclear warheads at a secret location amid his vows to build up his country's nuclear capabilities.
The same day he unveiled new, smaller nuclear warheads intended to be fitted onto smaller weapons.
It is not known whether these miniature nuclear warheads are fully developed but such weapons are part of Kim's larger nuclear plans.
The US has beefed up its alliances in the region amid North Korea's increasing nuclear threats, with more than 70 missile tests last year.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
In the last year, Kim has been steadily expanding his nuclear arsenal and unleashed a barrage of banned missile tests.
Experts said Kim is trying to pressure the US into accepting North Korea as a legitimate nuclear power and relax international economic sanctions.
