Defense chief calls for firm readiness against N. Korean threats, heavy downpours

SEOUL: Defense Minister Shin Won-sik on Wednesday called for firm readiness against North Korea's provocations, his office said, amid the North's repeated threat to respond to anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by South Korean activists. Shin made the remark in a meeting of top military commanders that was held to discuss potential provocations North Korea may stage and South Korea's response capabilities against such threats, according to the defense ministry. The meeting came a day after the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned that South Korea will face "gruesome and dear" consequences if it lets North Korean defectors continue to send anti-Pyongyang leaflets to the North, just two days after she issued a similar statement Sunday. Also discussed in the meeting was maintaining a firm readiness in response to ongoing downpours that have pummeled the greater Seoul area and providing support for recovery efforts in flood-hit areas, the ministry said. The ministry warned against the possib ility of land mines planted by the North flowing into the South due to heavy rain and advised the public not to touch suspected land mines or suspicious objects in the border area. Since April, the North has been deploying large numbers of troops in front-line areas for an array of activities, such as planting mines, erecting walls and reinforcing roads for military operations. Source: Yonhap News Agency