S. Korean marines stage amphibious landing exercise

Smoke on the water: South Korean Marine amphibious assault vehicles fire smoke shells to land on the seashore during a landing operation as part of the annual Hoguk military exercises in Pohang. — AFP

SEOUL: South Korean marines in amphibious armoured vehicles waded ashore under the guns of patrolling warships as part of large-scale military exercises that organisers say are necessary to prepare for any North Korean threats.

The amphibious landing practice, held near Pohang on South Korea’s east coast, is part of the 12-day Hoguk 22 field exercises, which have included some drills with US troops, such as a river-crossing exercise last week.