In a handout image provided by South Korean Defense Ministry, U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers fly with F-35B fighter jets and South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jets during a training at the Pilsung Firing Range on Sept. 18, 2017 in Gangwon-do, South Korea. | South Korean Defense Ministry/Getty Images Pentagon: U.S. flew bombers near North Korea to show 'resolve'

The U.S. Air Force flew bombers and fighter escorts farther north of the demilitarized zone than at any point this century to send “a clear message” to North Korea, a Pentagon spokesperson said Saturday.

The Air Force flew B-1B Lancer bombers from Guam and F-15C Eagle fighter escorts from Okinawa, Japan, earlier Saturday in international airspace over waters east of North Korea.


Chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana White said the flight underscores “the seriousness with which we take DPRK’s reckless behavior.”

“This mission is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a clear message that the president has many military options to defeat any threat,” White added. “North Korea’s weapons program is a grave threat to the Asia-Pacific region and the entire international community. We are prepared to use the full range of military capabilities to defend the U.S. homeland and our allies.”

Both President Donald Trump and the regime of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un have ramped up their war of words this week, with Trump threatening in an address before the United Nations General Assembly to “totally destroy North Korea” if forced to defend the U.S. or its allies.

Trump labeled Kim “Rocket Man” and charged that he was on a “suicide mission” by continuing to provoke the U.S. by building up its nuclear arsenal. Kim responded in kind, calling Trump a “mentally deranged U.S. dotard.”

North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, who addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday afternoon, accused Trump of tainting the U.N. with his rhetoric.

He said Trump is “mentally deranged and full of megalomania,” adding that “none other than Trump is on a suicide mission.”

Trump responded in a late-night tweet Saturday: "Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won't be around much longer!"