Pyongyang, November 9 (KCNA) -- The U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet bellicose forces staged the largest-ever joint landing exercises on the coast of Josa-ri, Phohang City, North Kyongsang Province, on Nov. 6.

The landing exercises were participated in by the 31st expedition task force of the U.S. marines and the 1st division and the corps supporting the landing operation of the puppet marine corps, more than 10,000 in all, and 27 warships, at least 30 attack helicopters and aircraft and more than 70 landing armored vehicles. This madcap maneuver was watched by the commander of the U.S. forces in south Korea and the chairman of the puppet joint chiefs of staff.

Members of civic and public organizations including the Solidarity for Progress of south Korea, the south Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the People for Achieving Peace and Reunification and South Headquarters of the National Alliance for the Country's Reunification staged a protest against the drill.

They charged that the exercises were staged according to "OPLAN 5027" for a preemptive strike against the north were basically aimed at radically raising the level of arms and combat equipment of the marine corps and boosting the commanding and control capability of the south Korea-U.S. "Combined Marines Command."

Noting that the largest-ever exercises were of more offensive nature, they held that the drill is a reckless act of escalating the military tension and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula. They strongly demanded a halt to the saber rattling.