U.S. Air Force/Reuters
Two B-1B Lancer bombers.
US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers escorted by F-15C Eagle fighter jets in international airspace over waters east of North Korea.
The Pentagon said the flyover demonstrated the range of military options available to President Donald Trump.
The US Air Force has done a number of flyovers in recent months but this is the most controversial one yet. Earlier this month, the US, South Korea, and Japan conducted joint military exercises over and near the Korean Peninsula.
"This is the farthest north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) any US fighter or bomber aircraft have flown off North Korea's coast in the 21st century, underscoring the seriousness with which we take the DPRK's reckless behaviour," said Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White.
"This mission is a demonstration of US resolve and a clear message that the President has many military options to defeat any threat. North Korea's weapons program is a grave threat to the Asia-Pacific region and the entire international community. We are prepared to use the full range of military capabilities to defend the US homeland and our allies."
U.S. Air Force/Getty Images
A B-1B Lancer from the US Air Force dropping arsenal while on a combat mission in support of strikes on Afghanistan.