South Korea's night drills escalate tensions with Pyongyang
South Korea conducted night artillery exercises near the border with North Korea, enhancing combat readiness in light of potential threats.
Key information
- Night artillery exercises were held in the maritime buffer zone on the East Sea.
- Approximately 300 soldiers participated from the 3rd Corps of the South Korean Army.
- The exercises aimed to strengthen defence against provocations from Pyongyang.
Night manoeuvres in the East Sea
The South Korean Army organised night artillery exercises in the maritime buffer zone near the northern limit line (NLL) on the East Sea. These were the first such manoeuvres since July of last year, aimed at strengthening combat readiness against potential provocations from North Korea.
Strengthening combat readiness
The exercises, which took place on Wednesday and Thursday, involved approximately 300 soldiers from the 3rd Corps of the Army. Over 600 shells were fired from the coast of Goseong in Gangwon Province, using self-propelled K9A1 howitzers and Chunmoo rocket launchers.
Reactions to Pyongyang's provocations
The suspension of the 2018 military agreement allowed for the resumption of exercises in the buffer zone. This decision was a response to provocations from Pyongyang, such as sending balloons with waste over South Korean territory and attempts to disrupt GPS signals.
Tense relations
Relations between North and South Korea are currently the worst in decades. Pyongyang regards Seoul as a "hostile state," and Kim Jong Un has ordered the "total severance" of North Korea from its southern neighbour, preparing for a potential conflict.
