DPRK slams US for deployment of Patriot missiles in South Korea

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday roundly condemned United States' policy of deploying a new type of Patriot missile in Kwangju, South Korea.

"This indicates that the US plan to start a new war on the Korean Peninsula is being stepped up towards the final stage," the Minju Joson newspaper said.

The US confirmed last week it had completed the deployment of its Patriot PAC-3 missile system in South Korea as part of an 11 billion US dollar upgrade of its military presence on the Korean Peninsula.

The Patriot missile system is designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and enemy aircraft.

US calls for dialogue and peace are "no more than a ruse to cover up preparations for a war against the DPRK," the article said.

"It (the US) is shipping ultra-modern military hardware into South Korea behind the curtain of 'dialogue and peace' so as to mount a preemptive surprise attack on the DPRK," it added.

The newspaper said the DPRK will continue to increase its war deterrent force in response to US military actions in South Korea.

Source: Xinhua