Washington/Seoul - The USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, is operating in waters off the Korean peninsula, reported Reuters citing similar reports from South Korean Media. The vessel is in is in the Sea of Japan for exercises with Japanese forces, amid tensions over North Korea's missile tests.

The official said the group is in the Sea to reassure allies and partners in the region. The move comes as there is growing concern over North Korea carrying out an underground nuclear test in the coming days.

This is the first time since 2017 that a carrier group has deployed to the waters between South Korea and Japan.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency cited an informed sources who said the USS Abraham Lincoln would be operating in the area for three to five days.

South Korea's defence ministry said it is aware that the carrier group is in international waters but declined to comment on the reports, because it is a U.S. military asset.

North Korea has previously criticised U.S. military drills as a rehearsal for war, and said they increase tensions.
-Reuters