North Korea Deploys Amphibious Landing Crafts As Frontline Defense
Amphibious landing crafts have been deployed by North Korea on its frontline in preparation for battle despite negotiations with South Korea to end military friction.
It has been reported that the North sent out around 10 air-cushioned landing crafts from Cholsan, North Pyongan Province to Goampo naval base, which is located approximately 60 kilometers north of the Yellow Sea's Northern Limit Line.
"Since North Korea declared a semi-war state, its infiltration vehicles and forces have been actively moving," a source said.
North Korea's amphibious landing crafts come in two types: a 35-ton class Gongbang II, and a 20-ton Gongbang III which can both travel up to 96 kilometers per hour.
"Since the North declared a quasi-war condition, every move of the North Korean army is being detected by the joint surveillance assets of South Korea and the United States."
North Korea has also deployed two combat forces near the border - special artillery troops and submarines.
Kim Jong-un announced a "quasi-state of war" on Friday. He stated the country is ready for an "all-out war," as tension between North and South Korea has heightened following an exchange in artillery shells.
According to a North Korea expert at Sogang University in Seoul, Chung Young-chul, the president of South Korea released a powerful statement that was not advantageous to the ongoing peace talks.
"I am not really optimistic about the talks because they both have heavy demands that can't be dropped," explained Chung. "It seems difficult to get any agreement and I think they are locking horns and tension will persist for a while."
