Pentagon highlighting bomber missions in Korea

WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States is flying nuclear-capable B-52 bombers on training missions over South Korea to highlight Washington's commitment to defend an ally amid rising tensions with North Korea, Pentagon officials said on Monday.

Pentagon press secretary George Little said one B-52 flew over South Korea on March 8, and the deputy defence secretary, Ashton Carter, said during a visit to Seoul that another bomber mission is scheduled for Tuesday.

B-52 bombers are capable of launching nuclear-armed cruise missiles, but Mr Little said those participating in the Korean exercise are not armed with nuclear weapons.

The use of Air Force warplanes as part of an annual US-South Korean military exercise called Foal Eagle is not unusual.