WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The ongoing war of words between the United States and North Korea saw several new fiery salvos Saturday, a day on which the US military, in a show of force, flew bombers in international airspace over waters east of North Korea.
U.S. Department of Defense said Saturday in its website that U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers from Guam, along with U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter escorts from Okinawa, Japan, flew in international airspace over waters east of North Korea.
'This is the farthest north of the Demilitarized Zone or (DMZ) any U.S. fighter or bomber aircraft have flown off North Korea's coast in the 21st century, underscoring the seriousness with which we take DPRK's reckless behavior,' the Defense Department said.
'This mission is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a clear message that the President has many military options to defeat any threat. North Korea's weapons program is a grave threat to the Asia-Pacific region and the entire international community. We are prepared to use the full range of military capabilities to defend the U.S. homeland and our allies,' the Department said.
North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, speaking before the United Nations, angrily responded to US President Donald Trump's UN remarks in which he referred to Kim Jong Un as 'Rocket Man.'
At the UN, Ri said that Trump had made a missile attack on the US mainland more inevitable by insulting the dignity of North Korea.
'None other than Trump himself is on a suicide mission,' Ri said in a speech at the UN General Assembly. 'In case innocent lives of the US are harmed because of this suicide attack, Trump will be held totally responsible.'
'Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won't be around much longer!,' Trump Twitted.
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