(VOVworld) - South Korea's military conducted an artillery exercise near its sea border with North Korea on Thursday, mobilizing its K9 self-propelled howitzers.

This latest exercise is defensive in nature and part of its regular trainings (Photo: Militari-Today/TTXVN)

According to a South Korean military official, its Marine Corps conducted the exercise on Baengnyeong and Yeonpyeong Islands from 4 to 5 PM.

About 400 artillery rounds were fired from K9 howitzers and the Kooryong multiple rocket launch system into the southern side of the sea demarcation line.

South Korea’s military said this latest exercise was defensive in nature and part of its regular trainings to respond in the event of North Korea attacking its northwestern islands.