U.S. B1-B bombers fly mission off North Korean coast

Sept. 23 (UPI) — A group of U.S. Air Force bombers flew in international waters just off the coast of North Korea on Saturday, the Pentagon said.

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Dana W. White released a statement announcing that U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers from Guam flew alongside U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter escorts from Okinawa, Japan, over the waters near North Korea.

“This is the farthest north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) any U.S. fighter or bomber aircraft have flown off North Korea’s coast in the 21st century, underscoring the seriousness with which we take DPRK’s reckless behavior,” White said.

The flight follows increased tensions between the United States and North Korea after President Donald Trump said the U.S. may be forced to “totally destroy North Korea” as a result of its nuclear weapons program.

“This mission is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a clear message that the President has many military options to defeat any threat,” White said. “North Korea’s weapons program is a grave threat to the Asia-Pacific region and the entire international community. We are prepared to use the full range of military capabilities to defend the U.S. homeland and our allies.”