Seoul, South Korea
CNN
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In response to Pyongyang’s recent missile tests, South Korea and the United States on Tuesday conducted an aerial show of force to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, flying 20 fighter jets over waters west of the Korean peninsula.
The Allies sent jets – South Korean F-35A, F-15K and FK-16 fighters and US F-16s – over the Yellow Sea, known in South Korea as the West Sea, the following Tuesday morning North Korea launches eight short-range ballistic missiles on Sunday.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry said on Tuesday, “South Korea and the United States have demonstrated their combined defense capabilities and posture through this joint Air Force demonstration flight, with their ability to strike quickly and accurately against any North Korean provocation.” Has demonstrated strong ability and will.”
The flights came amid fears that Pyongyang is on the verge of testing new nuclear weapons.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday that North Korea has opened access to its underground nuclear test site.
that report is as follows An assessment of the US military and intelligence agencies last month North Korea may be ready to resume underground nuclear tests at its Punggye-ri site, based on satellite images showing signs of personnel and vehicle activity.
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Punggye-ri, which has been the site of all six North Korea’s nuclear tests so far, was partially destroyed in 2018 under an agreement between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul.
North Korea’s nuclear weapons program is banned by the United Nations, and Pyongyang has not tested a nuclear weapon since 2017.
But this year it has repeatedly tested missiles that could potentially carry nuclear warheads, including intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the US mainland. The launch of eight ballistic missiles on Sunday was the 17th time this year that the Kim regime has conducted such tests.
South Korea and the US responded with eight missile launches on Monday On his own, this year is the third time he has staged tit-for-tat missile tests.
Displays of South Korea’s fighter jet arsenal are not uncommon.
Twice this year, Seoul has shown off its fleet of F-35A stealth fighters, with dozens of jets lining a runway that the military refers to as the “elephant walk”—a demonstration of the hardware’s potential The enemy is there to send the message.
Seoul’s stance towards North Korea’s aggression has hardened since new elections South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeoliwho assumed office on May 10. Yoon has consistently asserted his desire to strengthen the military of the South – a departure from the predecessor Moon Jae-in, who had promoted dialogue and peaceful reconciliation.
Yoon vowed to give a “firm and strong response” to North Korean provocations during a speech on South Korea’s Memorial Day on Monday.