S Koreans prepare for possible N Korea attack

Seoul: South Korea staged a nationwide defence drill on Tuesday to prepare for a possible attack by North Korea.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak watched part of the drill unfold in the centre of Seoul.

The exercises included a number of emergency scenarios including a chemical decontamination drill.

"Recently, the level of threat posed by North Korea has become higher. To prepare for this, we are simulating a scenario that fire and CBR (chemical, biological and radiological) breakout occurred as a result of North Korean long range artillery or missile attacks," said Yoo Geon-cheol, head of Jongro Fire Station in Seoul while overseeing the fire drill. "The purpose of the drill is for the public, authorities and military to immediately keep the offensive posture and counteract."

During the exercises, a small group of peace activists demonstrated in front of the US embassy in the capital.

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The protesters denounced the recent joint military exercises between South Korea and the US.