The area was in the west Philippines Sea and claimed as part of Manila’s exclusive economic zone. The South China Sea is a strategic waterway that sees more than $3 trillion annually in shipping.
The B-1B bombers that conducted the operation were non-nuclear variants that can carry a range of missiles and bombs, including the Joint Standoff Weapon and Long Range Anti-Ship Missile. They also can deliver the Joint Direct Attack Munition, a guided aerial bomb.