North Korea conducts artillery drill before US-South Korea military exercises
The media reported Tuesday that artillery units carried out the drill on Monday, and that it was overseen by Pak Jong Chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, among other officials.
They also said the drill was conducted in line with a plan to fully prepare for battle, and that the high combat capability of the units was verified.
The media said the drill demonstrated "the strong will of the army to thoroughly contain military gangsters" on the other side of the border and defend the country's security and sovereignty.
The US and South Korea will hold regular joint exercises in South Korea from August 18, simulating a possible emergency on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea's defense minister, No Kwang Chol, issued a statement through state media on Monday. He said the country will exercise its right to self-defense against any provocation.
South Korean media say the North's artillery drill is part of the countermeasures against the joint exercises between US and South Korean forces.
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