US flies bombers over Korean peninsula after missile launch

The U.S. on Thursday conducted joint military exercises with South Korea and Japan, flying fighters and bombers above and near the Korean peninsula days after North Korea’s latest missile launch.

”North Korea’s actions are a threat to our allies, partners and homeland, and their destabilizing actions will be met accordingly,” Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, Pacific Air Forces commander, said in a statement.

“This complex mission clearly demonstrates our solidarity with our allies and underscores the broadening cooperation to defend against this common regional threat.”

He said the U.S.’s “forward deployed force will be the first to the fight, ready to deliver a lethal response at a moment’s notice if our nation calls.”

{mosads}Four Marine Corps F-35B Lighting II fighters and two Air Force B-1B Lancers joined Japanese and South Korean warplanes in the show of force, officials said.

President Trump on Wednesday said talking is not the answer to deal with the North Korean threat.

“The U.S. has been talking to North Korea, and paying them extortion money, for 25 years. Talking is not the answer!” Trump tweeted Wednesday.

Earlier this month, the president intensified his rhetoric against North Korea, warning that continued threats would be met with “fire and fury.”

North Korea’s latest missile launch over Japan signaled to the Trump administration that it was not backing away from its provocative behavior, however.