US flies bombers over Guam

The United States military flew two B-1B bombers over Guam this week alongside the South Korean and Japanese militaries as a show of force directed toward North Korea.

S. Dakota #Airmen arrive on Guam; conduct #bilateral missions w/Japan & ROK–U.S. ready to #fighttonight https://t.co/DhOTTdNT19 pic.twitter.com/HSOkYKHPQ4

— PACAF (@PACAF) August 8, 2017

“Two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers, under the command of U.S. Pacific Air Forces, joined their counterparts from the Republic of Korea and Japanese air forces in sequenced bilateral missions,” a Pacific Air Forces press release said.

The bombers flew over the area on Monday in a 10-hour demonstration. 

B-1 bomber presence in the region is not new, however. The U.S. military has kept the bombers in the area for over a decade.

{mosads}”Aircrews, maintenance and support personnel, will continue generating B-1 bomber sorties to demonstrate the continuing U.S. commitment to stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, providing commanders with a strategic power projection platform and fulfilling the need for anytime mission-ready aircraft, an important part of national defense during a time of high regional tension,” the statement continued.

The recent mission likely comes in response to heightening tensions between the U.S. and North Korea.

The Washington Post, citing a U.S. intelligence assessment, reported earlier in the day that the reclusive country successfully produced a miniaturized nuclear warhead that can fit onto a missile. It’s not clear whether North Korea has tested the miniaturized warhead successfully.

A North Korean military spokesman also said the state could launch a missile strike against Guam, which Reuters reported Tuesday, citing the country’s state media.

President Trump vowed “fire, fury and frankly power” against Pyongyang if it continued to threaten the United States.

North Korea has repeatedly tested intercontinental ballistic missiles in recent months, with some analysts saying they could reach parts of the U.S. 

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Saturday to sanction Pyongyang for its missile tests.