U.S. Sends Navy Strike Group Toward Korean Peninsula, Says Official

By Idrees AliWASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy strike group will be moving toward the western Pacific Ocean near the Korean peninsula as a show of force, a U.S. official told Reuters on Saturday, as concerns grow about North Koreas advancing weapons program.Earlier this month North Korea tested a liquid-fueled Scud missile which only traveled a fraction of its range.The strike group, called Carl Vinson, includes an aircraft carrier and will make its way from Singapore toward the Korean peninsula, according to the official, who was not authorized to speak to the media and requested anonymity.We feel the increased presence is necessary, the official said, citing North Koreas worrisome behavior.The news was first reported by Reuters.In a statement late Saturday, the U.S. Navys Third Fleet said the strike group had been directed to sail north, but it did not specify the destination. The military vessels will operate in the Western Pacific rather than making previously planned port visits to Australia, it added.This year North Korean officials, including leader Kim Jong Un, have repeatedly indicated an intercontinental ballistic missile test or something similar could be coming, possibly as soon as April 15, the 105th birthday of North Koreas founding president and celebrated annually as the Day of the Sun.Earlier this week U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Florida, where Trump pressed his counterpart to do more to curb North Koreas nuclear program.Trumps national security aides have completed a review of U.S. options to try to curb North Koreas nuclear and missile programs. These include economic and military measures but lean more toward sanctions and increased pressure on Beijing to rein in its reclusive neighbor.Although the option of pre-emptive military strikes on North Korea is not off the table, the review prioritizes less-risky steps and de-emphasizes direct military action.Trump spoke with South Koreas acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn on Friday, the White House said on Saturday in a statement which did not mention the strike group.(Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Richard Chang) -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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