During a press conference with his South Korean counterpart, Sin Won-sik, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea are aimed at increasing the readiness of the armed forces of both countries to engage in combat “even tonight” if necessary, according to TASS.
“We continue to strengthen our collective readiness and ability to engage in combat if necessary, even tonight,” he said.
Austin believes that the visit of the US strategic bomber B-52 and the US Navy submarine to the country is an “important milestone” in efforts to deter North Korea. The head of the US Defense Department emphasized that Washington plans to “steadfastly adhere” to its policy of extended deterrence towards North Korea.
In October, it was reported that South Korea, the United States, and Japan conducted their first joint military exercises involving their air forces.
Earlier, North Korea warned that the US military alliance in Asia would lead to nuclear war.
