US launches long-range bomber in exercises with South Korea and Japan after North Korea’s missile tests

The United States launched a long-range bomber on Sunday as part of trilateral exercises with South Korea and Japan in response to North Korea’s recent test firing of a new missile system. intercontinental ballistic missile According to the South’s military, it is intended to strike the US mainland.

North Korea launched its newly developed Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile on Thursday in the country’s first test in nearly a year.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the missile test and was on the launch pad, calling the launch an “appropriate military action” to demonstrate North Korea’s determination to respond to the actions of its enemies that threaten North Korean security, according to a statement from the North Korean Defense Ministry. .

The missile flew higher and stayed in the air longer than any other missile fired by North Korea.

We departed from the USA on Sunday B-1B bomber This is stated in a statement by the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The trilateral air exercise was the second held by South Korea, the United States and Japan this year, the statement said.

The United States often responds to major North Korean missile tests by temporarily deploying some of its powerful military assets, such as long-range bombers, aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, to and near the Korean Peninsula. North Korea typically reacts angrily to such U.S. moves, calling them part of a U.S.-led plot to invade the North and conduct more weapons tests.

The United States has flown a B-1B bomber over or near the Korean Peninsula four times this year, according to the South Korean military. The B-1B is capable of carrying a large payload of conventional weapons.

Thursday’s Hwasong-19 test, North Korea’s first intercontinental ballistic missile test firing in nearly a year, showed progress in the North’s missile program. However, many experts say North Korea still needs to overcome some technological challenges to acquire operational intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of launching nuclear strikes on the US mainland. Experts say the Hwasong-19, shown in North Korean state media photos and videos, looked too large to be used in war.

The ICBM test was seen as an attempt to grab America’s attention ahead of this week’s US presidential election and respond to international condemnation of North Korea’s statements. sending thousands of soldiers to Russia to support the war against Ukraine, observers say.

North Korea The last test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile took place in December 2023.when he launched the solid rocket Hwasong-18.