The United States and South Korea have conducted their first joint bombing drills in seven years. This event took place amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, marked by North Korea’s provocative actions.
On Wednesday, the US deployed a B-1B bomber over the Korean Peninsula for the joint exercise. The South Korean military announced this, highlighting the significance of the event. The B-1B bomber dropped Joint Direct Attack Munitions at an unspecified firing range in South Korea, escorted by South Korean F-15K fighter jets.
Background of Tensions
The drills come after a series of provocations by North Korea. Recently, North Korea sent balloons filled with trash into South Korea and interfered with South Korea’s GPS signals. Responding, South Korea suspended a 2018 inter-Korean military pact on Tuesday, which had aimed to reduce military tensions between the two countries.
During the exercise, the US B-1B bomber was joined by South Korean F-35A and KF-16 fighters, as well as US F-35B and F-16 jets. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the exercise was focused on strengthening the combined defense posture and the US commitment to extended deterrence.
South Korea’s Military Actions
Following the suspension of the 2018 military pact, South Korea announced that it would resume all military activities along the demarcation line separating the two Koreas. This includes activities in the North West Islands, marking the first time in five years that such actions will be taken.
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On June 2, a trilateral ministerial meeting was held in Singapore. The meeting was attended by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, Japan’s Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and South Korea’s Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik.
The officials reiterated their stance on regional security, including their unchanged position on Taiwan and the importance of regional peace for international security and prosperity.
North Korea’s Provocations
North Korea has significantly increased its missile launch activities since 2022, violating UN Security Council resolutions. This includes more than 100 missile launches.
Recently, on May 27, North Korea attempted to launch a satellite-carrying rocket, which was condemned by the US and its allies but defended by Russia and China.
The joint drills between the US and South Korea signal a strong defense partnership and a response to North Korea’s provocations. The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains tense, with both sides taking significant military actions.
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