President Donald Trump has discussed a “range of options” with his top military advisers to respond to North Korea’s provocative missile and nuclear tests as two American heavy bombers flew over the Korean peninsula in a show of force against Pyongyang.
North Korea has fired 22 missiles during 15 tests since February, drawing a sharp reaction from the US and its allies. It has launched two missiles over Japan and conducted its sixth nuclear test in recent weeks, creating new tension in the region.
Mr Trump on Wednesday met his top advisors, including defence secretary James Mattis and chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff general Joseph Dunford, the White House said. “The briefing and discussion focused on a range of options to respond to any form of North Korean aggression or, if necessary, to prevent North Korea from threatening the United States and its allies with nuclear weapons,” the White House said.
During the meeting, Mr Mattis and Mr Dunford gave a briefing to Mr Trump and his national security team on North Korea.
Meanwhile, two B-1B Lancers based in Guam flew a mission in the vicinity of the Sea of Japan, the US Pacific Air Forces said in a statement, in an apparent show of force against Pyongyang.
