Japan Conducts Joint Drills With US Carrier Strike Group in Pacific Ocean

Japan and the United States carried out Friday joint air force exercises involving a US carrier strike group in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean, media reported.

TOKYO (Sputnik) – According to Japan's NHK broadcaster, two Japan’s F-15 jets and two US F-18 fighters participated in the drills, which also engaged the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

The US naval strike group was sent to the Korean Peninsula on April 8 after North Korea reportedly launched on April 5 a ballistic missile from Sinpho, in the South Hamgyong province.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated ever since North Korea carried out a number of missile launches and nuclear tests. The launches are considered to be in violation of the corresponding resolution adopted by the United Nations. In addition, North Korea was reported as having conducted a failed missile launch on April 16.

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