Two supersonic B-1B Lancer bombers took off from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, then flew south of South Korea and west of Japan where they were joined by Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighters, the US Pacific Air Force said in a statement. The statement noted that the exercise was part of the "continuous bomber presence" mission in the Pacific and was planned in advance. Still, the operation follows an October 10 "show of force" in which two Lancers staged the first night-time joint aviation exercises with Japan and South Korea. North Korea in July launched two intercontinental ballistic missiles apparently capable of reaching the US mainland -- described by leader Kim Jong-Un as a gift to "American bastards." The trip is set to be dominated by the North Korea nuclear issue.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 02, 2017 23:26 UTC