WASHINGTON, USA – General David Goldfein, chief of Staff of the American Air Force said the US Air Force is preparing to put its fleet of B52 bombers with nuclear weapons in a 24-hour alert, amid the growing tensions with North Korea.

Goldfein and other senior Defense officials emphasized that the alert order had not been given yet, but preparations were underway, anticipating what might happen.

The American general remarked that in a world where we have people speaking openly about the use of nuclear weapons, it is important to stay alert and think about new ways of being prepared.

It is not a bipolar world where it’s just us and the Soviet Union. We have other players who have nuclear capabilities. It has never been more important to make sure we do this mission well, Goldfein added.