Synopsis
On April 15, South Korea and the US executed joint air exercises with a B-1B bomber over the Korean Peninsula. This operation illustrates their military readiness against North Korea's threats. The drills coincide with a significant North Korean holiday and emphasize the strength of the South Korea-US alliance.Key Takeaways
- South Korea and the US conducted joint air drills.
- Involved a US B-1B bomber and various fighter jets.
- Exercises aimed to counter North Korean threats.
- Took place on a significant North Korean holiday.
- Reflects ongoing military cooperation between the allies.
Seoul, April 15 (NationPress) On Tuesday, South Korea and the United States conducted a series of joint air exercises, featuring at least one US B-1B bomber, over the Korean Peninsula. This operation was reported by the defense ministry as a display of military strength in response to North Korean threats.
The maneuvers also incorporated South Korean F-35A and F-16 fighter jets, along with US F-16s, intended to showcase the allies' readiness to tackle North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile challenges, according to the ministry.
These drills occurred on the 113th birth anniversary of North Korea's founding leader Kim Il-sung, a significant national holiday in the North, known as the “Day of the Sun.”
The ministry stated, “To deter and respond to North Korea’s threats, South Korea and the US will persist in enhancing their combined exercises and fortifying the cooperation level within the South Korea-US alliance.”
The defense ministry did not disclose the number of B-1Bs involved or the specific locations of the exercises, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
This exercise marked the second of its kind in 2023, following similar drills that included the US heavy bomber on February 20.
North Korea has frequently responded with anger to the presence of US strategic assets in the Korean Peninsula, accusing Washington of escalating tensions.
After the February drills, Pyongyang threatened to utilize “strategic means” to counter perceived threats from the US.
The latest joint exercise took place following the removal of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier this month, after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment due to his temporary imposition of martial law in December.
In another development, South Korea is actively pursuing negotiations with the United States regarding its status on the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List (SCL), the foreign ministry announced on Tuesday.
This statement came as the SCL was implemented on the same day. The DOE’s inclusion of South Korea in the lowest category of the list has become a contentious issue in bilateral relations.
