US and South Korean forces said they are ready to repel any threat posed by North Korea as 24 stealth fighter jets deploy to the region and a report said the military alert level has been raised.
Naval vessels plan anti-submarine exercises close to the disputed maritime border between North and South Korea where one of the South's warships sank on March 26th, killing 46 sailors.
An international team of experts last week concluded that a North Korean torpedo blew apart the Cheonan, prompting Kim Jong Il's regime to cut all ties with the South and threaten "all-out war" over any punitive action.
"US and ROK forces are well prepared to deter aggression against the Republic of Korea and meet any threat posed by North Korean Forces," said Lieutenant Colonel Angela Billings, a spokeswoman for US forces in Korea, in a written response to questions.
She declined to give any details on operational strategy, ship movements or contingency plans should the North make good on a threat to open fire on vessels invading disputed waters, citing security policy.
The deployment of 24 F-22A Raptor jets, manufactured by Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corp., to Japan and Guam was previously scheduled and wasn't in response to "any specific situation in the region," said Lieutenant Colonel Sam Highley, an Air Force spokesman based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
South Korea earlier this week began sea drills near the border, which included the firing of depth charges.
Reuters