In 1969, President Richard Nixon considered tactical nuclear strikes after North Korea shot down a U.S. reconnaissance plane, according to documents declassified in 2010 and published by the National Security Archive, wrote Bloomberg today.
After North Korean fighter jets shot down an American spy plane, then, President Nixon and his national security adviser, Henry Kissinger, considered a range of military responses, up to the possible use of nuclear weapons, according to newly disclosed documents, said NPR org.
Thus, if the North Koreans were to shoot a US aircraft in the near future, it would not be the first time it would happen.
B-1B Lancer bombers, based in Guam, and F-15C Eagle fighter escorts from Okinawa, Japan, traveled the farthest north of the demilitarized zone any U.S. fighter or bomber aircraft have flown off North Korea’s coast this century, Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said last week in an emailed statement.
On 26 March 2010, the North Koreans torpedoed the Cheonan which sank, killing 46 sailors. The Cheonan was a South Korean naval ship.
While Seoul said Pyongyang torpedoed the ship, North Korea rejected the accusations refusing to apologize for the attack.
On the other hand, the US has dismissed a statement by North Korea accusing Washington of declaring war on the country, calling the idea “absurd”.
The White House also warned Pyongyang to stop provocations after it said it had the right to shoot down US bombers, while a UN spokesman said such fiery talks could lead to fatal misunderstandings.