. Korea reinforces marines on islands near tense border with N. Korea

SBy Sam Kim
SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has reinforced its marine forces along the
western sea border where North Korea has recently threatened an armed
provocation, a source said Friday.

"The reinforcements are meant to relieve the stress on our existing troops on
Yeonpyeong and Baekryeong islands as they have stepped up their surveillance
activities in the area," the source said, declining to be identified.
Following the threats by North Korea -- which conducted its second nuclear test
on May 25 -- South Korea and the United States boosted their surveillance to the
highest level in more than two years.
A marine battalion has been newly deployed to Baekryeong while another company
has been relocated to Yeonpyeong from an inland base, the source said.
The Koreas clashed in naval battles near Yeonpyeong in 1999 and 2002.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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