Tension is creeping up in the Korean peninsula since North Korea tested an ICBM last week amidst continuous pressure from countries all across the world. Political experts are now predicting the possibility of a war in the near future, as the US and South Korea is going to conduct 'Vigilant Ace', a massive joint war drill today.
As per reports, more than 230 jet planes and 12,000 US troops will take part in this event. Apart from the US troops, 4,000 South Korean army men will also make their presence felt in the war drill. The drill starts from today until December 8 over eight airbases in the Korean peninsula.
US showing its military power
F35 lightning and F22 raptors, two prestigious US jets are expected to take part in the war drill. F35s are advanced war jets capable of traveling 1931 kilometers per hour and are capable of carrying nuclear bombs and bunker busters.
On the other hand, F22 raptors can speed up to 2,414 kilometers per hour and are equipped with Vulcan miniguns and Sidewinder missiles. Apart from F22 and F35, fighters, spy planes, and bombers will also take part in the war drill.
"Vigilant Ace 18 highlights the longstanding military partnership, commitment and enduring friendship between two nations. It is designed to ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and reaffirms the US commitment to stability in the Northeast Asia region," said the US military.
Nuclear war to happen soon?
The move of the US and South Korea to conduct military drills has not gone well with North Korea. North Korea has said that both Seoul and Washington will "precipitate their self-destruction" through these war drills. The warning from North Korea comes just a day after the North Korean Foreign Ministry said that the United States is begging for a nuclear war.
"The US and South Korean puppet military warmongers should bear in mind that their escalating provocation and adding to crimes will only invite more terrible retaliation and precipitate their self-destruction," said a statement issued by North Korean state news agency, KCNA.
Last week, North Korea tested the ICBM Hwasong-15 and claimed that it is capable of hitting the US mainland. According to some political experts, Kim Jong-un is also busy readying the dreaded Juche Bird missile, a live nuke.
