Amid tensions with North, US nuclear-powered submarine docks in South Korea

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – A nuclear-powered submarine from the US docked in South Korea on Monday amid persistent cross-border tensions with North Korea.

The USS Vermont docked at southeastern naval base in Busan to “replenish supplies and provide rest for crew members,” said South Korea's Navy in a statement to Seoul-based Yonhap News.

In its first port call in South Korea, the 7,800-ton USS Vermont earlier conducted operations in the region before arriving in Busan.

The increased engagement between South Korea and the US militaries comes amid persistent tensions on Korean Peninsula where Pyongyang has resumed missile launches.

Seoul has warned Pyongyang over flying of trash balloon into South Korea.

The South Korean military Monday warned of “stern” measures against North should it “cross the line.”

Former President Moon Jae-in last Friday warned the Korean Peninsula was in the “most dangerous state” since the inter-Korean War of the 1950s, urging dialogue between the divided Koreas.

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