S. Korean Navy to hold Dokdo defense drill

SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Navy announced Thursday that it will hold an exercise this week on defending the country's easternmost islets of Dokdo.

The two-day training to kick off later in the day is part of efforts to defend Dokdo from the possible aggression of "outside forces," the Navy said.

It was apparently referring to Japan, which claims the sovereignty over the Seoul-controlled islets in the East Sea.

This week's practice will involve seven warships of the Navy and the Coast Guard in addition to four naval and Air Force aircraft.

The Dokdo defensive exercise is a regular event held twice a year since 1986, based on the scenario of an external threat.

lcd@yna.co.kr
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