US launches unarmed ICBM into Pacific days after shooting down Chinese spy balloon
(Worthy News) – The United States fired an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean as an implicit signal of nuclear readiness to North Korea and China.
Though Air Force officials said in a statement that the launch was not linked to “world events,” the timing comes during a period of heightened tensions with North Korea and China. Nearly a week prior, the U.S. shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon after it had flown across the continental U.S., ratcheting up tensions between the two major powers. Meanwhile, North Korea has launched a record number of ICBMs into the sea in recent years, signaling its increased nuclear capabilities.
“A test launch displays the heart of our deterrence mission on the world’s stage, assuring our nation and its allies that our weapons are capable and our Airmen are ready and willing to defend peace across the globe at a moment’s notice,” Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, the head of Air Force Global Strike Command, was quoted as saying. [ Source: Washington Examiner (Read More…) ]