U.S. again flies surveillance aircraft over S. Korea amid tensions
SEOUL, Jan. 7 (Yonhap) -- The United States flew a surveillance aircraft over South Korea's capital areas on Tuesday, an aviation tracker said, amid simmering tensions over possible provocations by North Korea.
An RC-135W Rivet Joint of the U.S. Air Force was spotted in the skies above areas near the western port city of Incheon following similar operations by the aircraft the previous day, Aircraft Spots tweeted.
Several other surveillance aircraft, such as the EP-3E and the RC-135S, have also been detected here often in recent weeks, and they apparently have carried out operations monitoring North Korea.
The latest flight was made on the eve of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's birthday, which some experts and foreign media see as a potentially significant date for provocative acts by the regime.
Last week, Pyongyang warned of a "new strategic weapon" in the near future and a "shocking actual action" in protest over the stalled denuclearization talks with the U.S.
Experts say the North's "strategic weapon" may mean an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying multiple warheads or a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
(News Focus) Display, electronics makers dealt blow by COVID-19 lockdowns in China
-
BTS to meet Biden at White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes
-
(URGENT) Russian, Chinese warplanes enter S. Korea's air defense zone without notice: JCS
-
Multiple Russian, Chinese warplanes enter KADIZ without notice: JCS
-
Premier League Golden Boot winner Son Heung-min receives hero's welcome home
-
(5th LD) Yoon, Biden agree to expand joint military exercises to cope with N.K. threats
-
(LEAD) Multiple Russian, Chinese warplanes enter KADIZ without notice: JCS
-
(News Focus) Display, electronics makers dealt blow by COVID-19 lockdowns in China
-
With historic Golden Boot, Son Heung-min cements case as greatest S. Korean footballer ever
-
(URGENT) Russian, Chinese warplanes enter S. Korea's air defense zone without notice: JCS
-
S. Korean volunteer fighter in Ukraine returns home with injuries
-
S. Korean midfielder Hwang Hee-chan to enter military training after 2 friendlies in June
-
BTS to meet Biden at White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes
-
(LEAD) S. Korean volunteer fighter in Ukraine returns home with knee injuries
-
S. Korea's new COVID-19 cases below 20,000 for 2nd day as omicron wave ebbs