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 Korea's advancing weapons program.
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 Korea's worrisome behavior.
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 Korea's acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn on Friday, the White House said on Saturday in a statement which did not mention the strike group.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-navy-korea-idUSKBN17A0V5
