US Air Force carrying out joint drills over Korean peninsula

South Korean defence spokesman says B-1B bombers deployed as deterrent to Pyongyang's nuclear threats and missile programmes

A US Air Force B-1B bomber (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters)

Two US B-1B bombers were deployed over the Korean peninsula on Monday during a joint drill with South Korea's air force, South Korea's ministry said.

South Korean Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun told a briefing that the deployment of US bombers was part of efforts to deter provocation by North Korea and respond to threats posed by the North's nuclear and missile programmes.

Moon did not give any further details.

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