Military Acknowledges Mistakes in Communications

The Defense Ministry yesterday concluded on the 7th that the recent naval clash was triggered by North Korea’s intentional surprise attack against South Korean naval vessels off the west coast.

Brig. Gen. Hwang Eui-don, spokesman for the Defense Ministry, said in a press briefing at the Defense Ministry "Given the fact that North Korean patrol boats intruded the Northern Limit Line (NLL) even though there was no North Korean fishing boats near the NLL, it was a premeditated attack by the North Korean Navy."

Hwang warned the North not to violate the maritime border separating the Koreas and stop its military provocations, adding that the responsibility for the naval battle lies squarely on North Korea.

He acknowledged that there was a mistake by the military authorities in understanding prior information, saying, "North Korean patrol boats have intruded the NLL making precise target. We have detected unusual moves by North Korean patrol boats, but we have not expected them to make a surprise attack."

Rear Adm. Bae Sang-gi, who headed a JCS inspection team, said that the Navy initially reported the death of five sailors to the headquarters of the 2nd Fleet at 10:46 a.m. but a naval officer in the 2nd fleet misheard it as five casualties and reported to the commander of the 2nd Fleet.

He added, "After judging that the Navy`s damage was minimal, and that there was a sign of North Korea`s preparation for an anti-ship missile attack, the commander of the 2nd Fleet directed the Navy to cease fire and withdraw in order to prevent additional damage."

The Defense Ministry announced complementary measures alongside the outcome of its investigation. The measures include △revising the rules of engagement set by the United Nations Command through the coordination with the United State, △embarking on the next generation speedboat project this year one year ahead of the initial schedule, and △securing an additional system for South Korea speedboats to disturb the North Korean radar fence.

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com