A squadron of 20 US – South Korean fighter jets hovers over the Yellow Sea to ‘trace’ North Korea

South Korea and the US participated in a show of air power, with the participation of F-35A fighters, over the Yellow Sea on June 7 – Photo: YONHAP/JCS

According to AFP news agency, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that 16 South Korean warplanes, including the F-35A stealth fighter and four US F-16 aircraft, have been formed. formed an attack squadron over the Yellow Sea to “react to the enemy threat”.

The JCS said the two allies “have demonstrated their ability and strong will to strike quickly and accurately against any provocation from North Korea“.

The aerial exercise involving 20 fighter jets came a day after the US and South Korea launched eight ballistic missiles in the direction of the Sea of ​​Japan.

Before that, on 5-6, North Korea launched eight short-range ballistic missiles from four different locations in about 30 minutes. Analysts say this is one of the largest weapons tests ever by North Korea.

The aerial drills on June 7 were the third show of joint strength between the United States and South Korea under new South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has vowed to take a tougher stance against Pyongyang.

For weeks, US and South Korean officials have warned that North Korea is preparing to conduct a new nuclear test.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman warned there would be a “swift and strong” response if Pyongyang carried out its seventh nuclear test.

Sherman also said the United States remains open to engaging in dialogue with North Korea, adding that Washington has “no hostile intent” to Pyongyang.