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US carrier strike group diverted to North Korea region
Following Trump's assertion of US military power in Syria, he now sends nuclear battle fleet to Pyongyang's back yard
by Reuters April 9, 2017 February 18, 2020
Coming Kim's way... Trump adds to his Syria message by diverting the USS Carl Vinson strike group toward North Korea. Photo: Reuters
A US Navy strike group will be moving toward the western Pacific Ocean near the Korean peninsula as a show of force, a US official told Reuters, as concerns grow about North Korea's advancing weapons program.
Estimated ranges of known North Korean missiles.
Earlier this, month North Korea tested a liquid-fueled Scud missile which only traveled a fraction of its range.
The Carl Vinson strike group includes an aircraft carrier and will make its way from Singapore toward the Korean peninsula, according to the official, who was not authorized to speak to the media and requested anonymity.
"We feel the increased presence is necessary," the official said, citing North Korea's worrisome behavior.
In a statement late Saturday, the US Navy's Third Fleet said the strike group had been directed to sail north, but it did not specify the destination. The military vessels will operate in the Western Pacific rather than making previously planned port visits to Australia, it added.
This year North Korean officials, including leader Kim Jong-un, have repeatedly indicated an intercontinental ballistic missile test or something similar could be coming, possibly as soon as April 15, the 105th birthday of North Korea's founding president and celebrated annually as "the Day of the Sun."
Earlier this week, Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping met in Florida, where Trump pressed his counterpart to do more to curb North Korea's nuclear program.
North Korea's latest test launch of a ballistic missile in Japan's direction.
Trump's national security aides have completed a review of US options to try to curb North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. These include economic and military measures but lean more toward sanctions and increased pressure on Beijing to rein in its reclusive neighbor.
Although the option of preemptive military strikes on North Korea is not off the table, the review prioritizes less-risky steps and de-emphasizes direct military action.
Tagged: China, Conflict, Diplomacy, Economy, Korean Peninsula, Missile Systems, North Korea, Northeast Asia, Politics, security, South Korea, Sport, US, US Navy
4 replies on "US carrier strike group diverted to North Korea region"
Kevin Connolly says:
Its all smoke and mirrors——–Memo to President Donald J. Trump——-North Korea is not the failed state of Syria.
Kinza Nabeel says:
sdgdfgd
Michael Chan says:
North Korea is right to develop its nuclear and ICBM capabilities to defend itself against foreign aggression.
Falk Rovik says:
US State Secretary Tillerson says today "The US do not insist on regime change". North Korea (NK) need to surrender their weapons of mass destruction (WMD). North Korea has one of the world largest stockpiles of biological and chemical weapons. The US credibility is a problem because those nations who has surrendered their WMD has been invaded and destroyed.
I am not sure NK will trust ANY of the US/UN promises. China has for more than a decade asked the US to stop provoking the NK; the US is deaf. There is no quick fix solution in NK, there is not one Mr. Kim, but 25 million indoctrinated and committed "Mr. and Ms. Kim's" The US rhetoric; using treats of nukes and assassinations is not helpful!
The US and the Chinese intelligence must compare notes before they give any advice to their leaders. Please keep in mind there is 75 million Korean lives at stake and if one of the nukes explodes, it will become an environmental hazard for North Asia.