hankyoreh

about 45 km (28 miles) north of Seoul

According to government sources, North Korea’s military has been busy on the west coast of the Korean peninsula. It is reported that coastal defense ships affiliated with North Korea’s West Coast Fleet and coastal batteries have reserved twice the amount of ammunition they usually do, and have increased their number of landing exercises. Some experts say, “North Korea is prepared for a possible military clash between the two Koreas.”

Won Tae-jae, the spokesperson for the South Korean Defense Ministry said, “We do the same thing when we are engaged in strengthening our defense readiness.” He added, “I think the North Korean military may be doing the same thing.”

According another source, the North Korean navy and land forces are strengthening their joint shooting exercises and have engaged in landing exercises using high speed landing ship tanks near Cho-do, where the advanced base of the West Sea Fleet is located. A possible aim for the landing exercises could include being able to move troops quickly onto shores of Baekryung-do and Yeonpyong-do.

It is reported that North Korea announced two areas where sailing is restricted, including the areas between Chulsan peninsula in North Pyongan Province and the Jangyeon peninsula in Hwanghae Province until the end of July. South Korean intelligence is watching the announcement of restricted areas closely because it could be a sign of preparing for a possible military provocation.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the destination of a long-range missile that departed from weapons development institute at Saneum-dong is the newly built missile base located in Dongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]