Nuclear-capable US B-1B bomber returns to Guam base after sabre-rattling in Korean peninsula

Tensions quickly escalated in the region after the North’s recent nuclear test on 9 September, which was followed by a rocket-engine test. The US had twice flown a pair of sophisticated B-1B Lancers over the Korean peninsula as a mark of solidarity with allies South Korea and Japan. While one bomber returned to its original base in the US territory of Guam immediately, the second aircraft was kept at the South Korean military facility in Pyeongtaek, 70kms south of Seoul.

 

“The B-1B Lancer returned to Andersen Air Base last night after remaining at Osan Air Base since Wednesday in a show of force against the North’s latest nuclear test,” a South Korean defence ministry official told Yonhap news agency. The bomber was on display at the airbase in what is seen as a PR stunt to reassure the South Korean public.

 

This is the first time in nearly two decades that a Lancer bomber made a brief stopover in South Korea.

 

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