South Korea Plans to Burn DMZ Prior to Launching Offensive Operations

The ROK probably should have never stopped clearing shrubbery around the DMZ in the first place considering North Korea’s long history of border incursions and provocations:

Han’s remarks came as the South’s military is preparing to take preliminary steps to pave the way for offensive operations within the 250-kilometer stretch of the four-kilometer-wide buffer zone.

It is considering forest burning in some areas, an operational practice the South decided to stop in 2001 following inter-Korean working-level military talks.

An official explained that burning shrubs will help the military secure a view of North Korea’s guard posts and reconnaissance activities ahead of launching offensive operations within the area. The official said if it is conducted, the burning operation would be carried out in the fall to avoid southerly wind.

Amid such considerations, a South Korea-U.S. joint artillery live fire drill began on Wednesday.

Running through the end of this month, the drill will see the participation of cutting-edge weapons, including South Korea’s K-2 tanks and FA-50 fighter jets as well as the U.S.’ Paladin self-propelled howitzers, Apache helicopters and A-10 attack aircraft.  [KBS World Radio]

You can read more at the link.