North Korea Calls Hawaii and U.S. Mainland Targets

[Paul E Ester]

2. US flies B-52s over South Korea amid North rhetoric

The US is flying nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over South Korea, in what it says is a response to escalating North Korean rhetoric.

US officials said the B-52 flights demonstrated "extended deterrence capabilities" amid rising tension on the peninsula.

The aircraft, which can also carry conventional weapons, flew on 8 March, with another mission set for Tuesday.

Regional tension remains high after the North's third nuclear test last month.

This is not the first time that B-52 bombers have been used as part of regular military drills between the US and South Korea.

"We're drawing attention to the fact that we have extended deterrence capabilities that we believe are important to demonstrate in the wake of recent North Korean rhetoric," US Pentagon press secretary George Little said.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21840215