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China-Japan-Koreas
North Korean forces put on full alert
2010-03-09
North Korea has put its forces on full combat alert against the backdrop of the US and South Korea's launch of a joint military drill.

"The units of the three services of the KPA (Korean People's Army) should keep themselves fully ready to go into action in order to blow up the citadel of aggressors once the order is issued," the North's KCNA news agency quoted its military command as saying on Monday.

Earlier in the day, some 18,000 American soldiers and 20,000 South Korean troops started their annual joint military exercises called Key Resolve/Foal Eagle.

While the US and South Korean officials say the military drills -- which include live-firing by US Marines, aerial attack drills and counter-infiltration exercises -- are aimed at testing the defense readiness of the two countries, North Korean officials criticize the exercise as a nuclear war maneuver.

Pyongyang has also called the drill a blow to nuclear talks spearheaded by the US. The talks are meant to force the North into rejoining international disarmament talks on halting its atomic weapons program in return for aid.

Last April, the North pulled out of the talks following what it described as provocative statements by the US, the undermining of its national security and failing living up to commitments to the country.

The two Koreas have technically been at war since 1953 as the Korean War ended with a truce and not a peace treaty. The United States has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea.
Posted by:Fred

#2  Full alert, sleep all afternoon, make up your mind.
Posted by: Grunter   2010-03-09 10:23  

#1  I wouldn't worry until they start stomping their little feet.
Posted by: gorb   2010-03-09 00:30  

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