US B-1B bomber returns to Guam after staying in Korea

A B-1B strategic bomber returned to its base in Guam on Sunday after a short stay in South Korea that aimed to warn North Korea against any further provocations, military officials said Monday.

"The B-1B Lancer returned to Andersen Air Base last night after remaining at Osan Air Base since Wednesday in a show of force against the North's latest nuclear test," a defense ministry official told Yonhap News Agency.

Pyongyang conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 9 despite international condemnations and sanctions imposed after the previous nuke detonation in January. The latest test came on the heels of the launch of ballistic missiles four days earlier.

The US sent two B-1B bombers over the skies of South Korea on Sept. 13 and again on Sept. 21. On its latest flight, one landed at the US air base in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, after making its closest-ever flight to North Korea.

It was the first time a Lancer landed on the Korean peninsula in 20 years since 1996, according to the US Pacific Command's website.

"What we are showing today (Sept. 21) is just one tool we have to choose from a wide array of options. The alliance grows stronger every day and we remain prepared to defend and preserve the security of the Korean Peninsula and the region," Lt. Gen. Thomas W. Bergeson, 7th Air Force commander, said in a statement released by US Forces Korea Wednesday.

The lone B-1B was revealed to the public during the "Air Power Day" event held by the US 7th Air Force in Osan Air Base. USFK earlier said the plane would not be shown to the public during its stay in South Korea. (Yonhap)