Tension eases as US ‘armada’ sailing towards North Korea changes direction

An aircraft carrier sent by the US Navy as a show of force to North Korea will arrive in the Sea of Japan next week, instead of sailing to the Korean peninsula as first thought.

The change in direction helped to ease tension over a possible exchange of fire between Washington and Pyongyang.

After much confusion surrounding the path of the USS Carl Vinson, the ships had temporarily headed in the opposite direction, to the Indian Ocean for military exercises with Australia.

The Navy on April 8 said it was directing a naval strike group headed by the Vinson to “sail north,” as a “prudent measure” to deter North Korea.

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Pentagon chief Jim Mattis on April 11 said the Vinson was “on her way up” to the peninsula.

President Donald Trump the next day said: “We are sending an armada. Very powerful”.

Recall two days ago that US Vice President Mike Pence declared that a policy of “strategic patience” on North Korea has ended- an indication that Washington may just ready to flex muscles with Pyongyang.

Pence made the announcement during a surprise visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on his trip to South Korea.

 

 

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