SEOUL, June 30 (Reuters) - A U.S. B-52 strategic bomber took part in military exercises with South Korea on Friday, Seoul officials said, in the latest show of force amid tension over North Korea's failed launch of a spy satellite.
The U.S. military also flew its F-16 and F-15 fighters alongside the bomber for the drills, which were joined by South Korean F-35 and KF-16 jets, Seoul's defence ministry said.
North Korea unsuccessfully tried to launch its first spy satellite early this month, prompting emergency alerts and brief evacuation warnings in parts of South Korea though the booster and payload plunged into the sea shortly after lift-off.
The two countries' militaries have been carrying out various training exercises since March, including air and sea drills involving a U.S. aircraft carrier and B-1B and B-52 bombers.
North Korea has denounced the exercises as a rehearsal for war, accusing the allies of ramping up "nuclear blackmail."
Persons:
Yoon Suk Yeol, Joe Biden, Hyonhee Shin, Kim Coghill
Organizations:
South, KF, U.S, Thomson
Locations:
SEOUL, U.S, South Korea, Seoul, North Korea, Korea