“By threatening the world, these weapons and tests further isolate North Korea, weaken its economy, and deprive its people,” Mr. Trump said. The exercise was in direct response to the North Korean missile test, Pentagon officials said. Moon to reverse his decision to halt deployment of an advanced United States missile defense system known as Thaad. North Korea is a closed society, and the secrecy of its government makes it difficult to tell exactly how far its weapons programs have advanced. The North Korean missile test came a day after the United States Senate passed sanctions aimed at deterring North Korea’s missile and nuclear development, as part of a package that also targets Russia and Iran.

Source: New York Times July 28, 2017 15:59 UTC