North Korea threatens South Korea over drills

South Korean army K-1A tanks prepare for the live-fire drills near the disputed border, file photo

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/155871.html


North Korea has threatened it would launch stronger attacks on South Korea if the southern neighbor wants to carry out more live-fire drills.

South Korea's drills, which are planned to be held on Yeonpyeong Island from December 18, are the source of a warning, North Korean news agency KCNA reported on Friday.

"The strike will play out a more serious situation than on November 23 in terms of strength and scope of the strike," the agency said.

At least four South Koreans were killed after the two countries engaged in an artillery fire exchange near Yeonpyeong Island last month.

Pyongyang said the November 23 shelling of Yeonpyeong was a response to South Korea's previous live-fire exercises.

The announcement comes as the US and China are holding intensive talks to resolve the deadlock between the two neighbors.

US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg is on a three-day visit to China to press the Chinese government to use its economic and diplomatic influence to control its ally, North Korea.

Also US diplomat Bill Richardson is in Pyongyang following a series of efforts to reduce tension in the Korean Peninsula