South Korean and US military forces have joined hands this week in a series of live-firing exercises aimed at enhancing their readiness to respond to potential “Hamas-style surprise artillery attacks” originating from North Korea, according to South Korea’s military.
These joint exercises are part of their routine training, but their significance is magnified following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.
South Korea, which shares the most heavily fortified border in the world with North Korea, is on high alert due to growing concerns regarding potential artillery attacks from its northern neighbour.
Military experts have stressed the threat posed by North Korea’s forward-deployed long-range artillery guns, which have the capability to fire an astonishing 16,000 rounds per hour in the event of a conflict.
Such a capability presents a significant risk to the South Korean capital, Seoul, located just 25 to 30 miles from the border.
The live-firing exercises, spanning three days and commencing on Wednesday, saw the participation of 5,400 South Korean and US soldiers, along with 300 artillery systems, 1,000 vehicles, and air force assets, as reported by South Korea’s military.
In a statement released by South Korea’s Ground Operations Command, it was revealed that the drills focused on a simulated response to “the enemy’s (possible) Hamas-style surprise artillery attacks”.
The primary objective was to practice striking preemptively and eliminating the source of any potential long-range artillery provocations from the enemy.
As of now, North Korea has not issued an immediate response to these exercises. However, it is worth noting that North Korea often perceives significant US-South Korean military exercises as rehearsals for invasion, which usually prompts missile tests in retaliation.
The intensified joint military drills between South Korea and the United States are in direct response to North Korea’s continued advancements in its nuclear program. Over the past year, North Korea has conducted more than 100 missile tests, some of which simulated nuclear attacks targeting both South Korea and the United States.
