JCS chairman inspects combat readiness aboard Peace Eye aircraft

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top military general made an in-flight inspection of the nation's defense posture this weekend, saying North Korea will likely continue its provocative acts in the new year, his office said Sunday.

Gen. Jeong Kyeong-doo, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), flew over the peninsula for about 70 minutes aboard an E-737 Peace Eye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft on Saturday, according to the JCS.

He talked with commanders of major Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps combat units by radio.

He also received a briefing on the military's preparations for supporting the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, which open in the eastern province of Gangwon in February.

"Throughout 2017, our military has buttressed state affairs through the firm implementation of missions despite North Korea's sixth nuclear test and 15 rounds of ballistic missile launches," he was quoted as telling them. "In particular, it has not allowed even a single tactical provocation."

Jeong stressed the importance of maintaining watertight combat readiness in 2018.

The North may launch unexpected tactical provocations while continuing strategic ones in response to international pressure and possible internal unrest, he added.

He also reaffirmed that his troops will do their best to offer all possible military support for the Olympic Games.

lcd@yna.co.kr
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