[KVOLUTION]

By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter

Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee has ordered his commanding officers to defeat any North Korean provocation ``on the spot'' ― without first seeking permission from their superiors.

Lee strongly criticized North Korean leader Kim Jong-il for stepping up provocative acts, including a nuclear test, to help facilitate his hereditary power succession.

``Under our military's clear principles, field officers should firmly deal with North Korean provocations and end situations immediately on the spot by mobilizing all necessary, combined forces capabilities,'' the minister said in a rare message to his armed forces in the Korea Defense Daily, Tuesday.

Lee made the remarks amid heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula following Pyongyang's second nuclear test on May 25 and its test-firing of short-range missiles.

North Korea watchers say the Stalinist state may take more action next week when the leaders of South Korea and the United States meet for a summit in Washington.

South Korean troops have already been placed on high alert over possible incidents near the land and sea borders. The Navy has recently deployed a 440-ton up-to-date patrol boat armed with guided missiles to the western waters, where a 3,200-ton KDX-I light destroyer, 1,900-ton frigate, patrol boats are readying to counter North Korean acts.

The Air Force's F-15K fleet is also gearing up to conduct missions to strike North Korea's artillery units near the Military Demarcation Line and key facilities should the North attempt to invade the South.

In the message, Minister Lee called the North Korean regime an ``immoral, irresponsible and inhumane'' one prioritizing its survival while turning a blind eye to the livelihood and happiness of its people.

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