A government official said South Korea has spotted signs of North Korea conducting large-scale firing exercises in parts of Wonsan, Gangwon Province on Tuesday which marks the 85th anniversary of the foundation of the North’s military.
 
The North is said to have mobilized between 300 and 400 long-range artillery pieces. The long-range artilleries deployed along the inter-Korean border are known to put Seoul and surrounding regions within their range. 
 
With the latest drill being conducted under leader Kim Jong-un's watch, the North apparently is attempting a show of force in response to Seoul and Washington further applying pressure on Pyongyang.
 
The U.S. has deployed its aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson and its nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine, the USS Michigan, to waters off the Korean Peninsula as it believes the North could engage in serious provocations around Tuesday.
 
Through state-run media, China called on Pyongyang to refrain from carrying out provocations, saying that the North would suffer major damage if it pushes forward with a nuclear test. 

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