Army Conducts Live-Fire Rocket Artillery Drills Amid Tensions with North Korea

Goseong: The Army conducted live-fire rocket artillery drills near the inter-Korean border, demonstrating its military capabilities in response to recent North Korean provocations. The exercise involved the firing of 130 mm rockets from Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers into the sea off the east coast. According to Yonhap News Agency, the drills took place in the border county of Goseong, situated 159 kilometers northeast of Seoul. The exercise occurred Thursday night, with troops targeting an area 17 km off the coast. This military action underscores the ongoing tensions between the two Koreas, particularly following recent aggressive moves by North Korea. The Army stated that the drills were a display of its readiness and strength to respond decisively to any acts of aggression by North Korea. "Through the Chunmoo that possesses formidable firepower, range and accuracy, this live-fire training took place to demonstrate the Army's resolve and capabilities to retaliate immediately, strongly and until the en d if the enemy undertakes a provocation," the Army commented. The Chunmoo rocket system, a key component of the drills, is designed to counter North Korean long-range artillery, which poses a significant threat to South Korea's capital region. Capable of striking targets up to 36 km away, the system can launch a volley of up to 12 rockets before needing to reload, making it a critical asset in South Korea's defense strategy. This military demonstration comes at a time of escalated tensions, following North Korea's accusations against South Korea for allegedly sending drones over Pyongyang and the destruction of major inter-Korean transit routes earlier this week.