In a signed commentary, the North’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) claimed the plan to deploy the United States’ Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea was only part of US efforts to dominate the world.
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After previous North Korean nuclear tests, the USA and South Korea used flyovers to show off power.
Two American supersonic bombers conducted an unprecedented flight near North Korea before one landed at a strategic air base in South Korea, simulating a bombing run from Guam in an attempt to quell increased tensions on the peninsula.
“The bond between the United States and the Republic of Korea [South Korea] is ironclad and the strength of that commitment will not be shaken by North Korea’s aggressive behavior”, said Lieutenant General Thomas Bergeson of the US Air Force.
U.S. Forces Korea did not say how long the jet would stay at the base.
It is capable of carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the US Air Force inventory.
The B-1B, capable of reaching the Korean Peninsula from Guam in just two hours, is one of the USA military’s three major multirole, long-range bombers along with the B-52 and B-2.
Pyongyang again conducted a nuclear test, the fifth of its kind, earlier this month. The move comes a day after Pyongyang claimed that it had successfully tested a new, high-powered rocket engine that the South said was created to demonstrate progress toward attaining a long-range missile.
North Korea conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test to date on September 9, claiming it as a successful nuclear warhead detonation that proved its ability to mass produce “standardized” nuclear weapons that could be used on missiles.
North Korea also claimed to have successfully tested a submarine-based ballistic missile on August 24, which Kim dubbed “the greatest success and victory”.
The United States, Japan and South Korea have roundly condemned the nuclear test and called for tough new measures to further isolate the communist state.
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The leaders of the United States and China, which is the North’s main diplomatic ally and economic benefactor, condemned the latest nuclear test and pledged to step up cooperation at the United Nations and in law enforcement channels.
