A U.S. B-52 strategic bomber is scheduled to land at a South Korean air base later this week, U.S. forces in South Korea said on Monday, amid heightened tensions over the threat posed by North Korea's ongoing nuclear and missile programs.
The bomber will arrive during the six-day Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, which will start on Tuesday, U.S. Forces Korea said in a statement.
The deployment of a U.S. strategic bomber to the region for reasons other than participating in joint military drills is considered to be rare. USFK said that the deployment shows the United States' commitment to its alliance with South Korea is at an all-time high, in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the alliance.
The aircraft will conduct two flyovers during the biennial event, according to the USFK.
Maj. Rachel Buitrago, the 7th Air Force's spokeswoman, said the B-52's deployment and planned flyovers are "part of our continued pledge to promote peace, stability and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula," according to the USFK statement.
Last Thursday, the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan docked at the South Korean port city of Busan for a five-day visit. The aircraft carrier left Busan on Monday, according to South Korean media.
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