Nuclear-Powered US Submarine Arrives in South Korea Amidst Tensions with North Korea
SEOUL, South Korea – A nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine has arrived in South Korea, marking the second deployment of a major U.S. naval asset to the Korean Peninsula this month. The arrival of the USS Annapolis comes as a display of force by the allies to counter North Korean nuclear threats. The submarine docked at a port on Jeju Island, about a week after the USS Kentucky, the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s, docked at the mainland port of Busan. North Korea responded to the Kentucky’s arrival by test-firing ballistic and cruise missiles, showcasing its capability to make nuclear strikes against South Korea and deploying its own naval vessels.
North Korea fired several cruise missiles toward its western sea on Saturday, marking its second missile launch event of the week in apparent protest of the docking of a nuclear-armed U.S. submarine in South Korea. The actions of North Korea have raised concerns about the first U.S. soldier in decades to flee into its territory. Pvt. Travis King crossed the border into North Korea last Tuesday, and his family believes that he may have felt overwhelmed by legal troubles and his possible looming discharge from the military. North Korea has not yet mentioned Pvt. King in its official media.
In response to the U.S. submarine deployment, North Korea fired two short-range missiles into the sea, seemingly as a statement of defiance. North Korea’s defense minister even issued a veiled threat, suggesting that the docking of the Kentucky in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against its enemies. While North Korea has used similar rhetoric in the past, this statement highlights the growing strain in relations between the two countries.
The USS Annapolis, armed with conventional weapons, is powered by a nuclear reactor and its main mission is to destroy enemy ships and submarines. While the submarine primarily docked at Jeju Island to load supplies, discussions are ongoing between the U.S. and South Korean militaries to arrange training involving the vessel. Meanwhile, North Korea has remained silent on the detainment of Pvt. Travis King. U.S. officials have expressed concern about his well-being and have requested basic information from North Korea about his condition and whereabouts, but their requests have been ignored.
Analysts believe that North Korea may delay providing meaningful information about Pvt. King in order to maximize leverage and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Some speculate that North Korea may attempt to extract concessions from the United States, such as reducing military activities with South Korea, in exchange for Pvt. King’s release.
The United States and South Korea have been increasing their combined military exercises and regional deployments of strategic assets in a display of force against North Korea. Since the beginning of 2022, North Korea has test-fired around 100 missiles, further escalating tensions in the region.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-07-24 02:58:00