South Korea held large-scale exercises on Tuesday, with the use of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), Defense Ministry said, noting that the move is in response to provocations by North Korea.

“Through the current exercises, our armed forces demonstrated their fighting ability to suppress the enemy with firepower in the event of an emergency, and also confirmed their readiness to immediately destroy [the enemy] in the attempts of any provocation,” the South Korean Army’s statement read, as quoted by Yonhap news agency.

The ground force exercises took place in Kosong County, eastern Gangwon Province, which is split between South Korea and North Korea.

According to media reports, multiple launch rocket systems, as well as 130-millimeter rocket missiles, the K-9 self-propelled howitzer, the KH-179 howitzer, an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, and radars were involved in the drills. A patrol frigate and high-speed combat boats were also deployed at sea.

A series of military exercises is taking place on the south of the Korean peninsula. On Monday, South Korea, the United States and Japan began joint naval drills aimed at training response to North Korea’s submarine threats.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalated since North Korea carried out a number of missile launches and nuclear tests, one of the latest being a launch of four missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan conducted on March 6.

Source: Sputnik