ESCALATING

U.S. Bombers Fly Over Waters Off North Korea

To send a “clear message that the President has many military options to defeat any threat.”

U.S. Air Force bombers from Guam flew over waters east of North Korea on Saturday to send a message to Kim Jong Un, according to the Pentagon. U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers escorted by fighter jets flew “the farthest north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) any U.S. fighter or bomber aircraft have flown off North Korea’s coast in the 21st century,” a statement from the Pentagon said. The move was meant to “underscore the seriousness with which we take DPRK’s reckless behavior” and serve as a “demonstration of U.S. resolve and a clear message that the President has many military options to defeat any threat,” the statement said. Calling Pyongyang’s weapons program a “grave threat” to the whole world, the statement said Washington is “prepared to use the full range of military capabilities” to defend the U.S. and its allies.