North Korea condemns South's multiple rocket launchers

SEOUL, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- North Korea said the South has installed Multiple Launch Rocket Systems near a disputed maritime border and warned Seoul against "acting rashly."

The statement on North Korea's propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri came on Friday, three days after South Korea press reported Seoul plans to place South Korea-made Chunmoo rockets in position by 2016 to target sites of potential North Korea provocations, South Korean outlet CBS No Cut News reported.

But North Korea's statement claimed South Korea was already installing the MLRS and called Seoul's move a provocation.

"[The Chunmoo installation plan] is just a sign of the frantic struggle of those who are fearful of [North Korea's] infinitely mighty military, which is strengthening day by day," Pyongyang said in statement.

"[South Korea's] ambition is to invade by force."

North Korea said South Korea is preparing for an invasion by creating military bases on the border islands of Baengnyeong and Yeongpyeong, and sending Spike missiles, high-speed landing craft, portable surface-to-air missiles, mobile maritime surveillance radar, amphibious armored vehicles as well as other equipment for warfare.

"The [South Korea] puppets' base is in our sights...the South must not act rashly," Pyongyang said.

On Aug. 4 South Korea's Defense Agency for Technology and Quality said the Chunmoo system would be placed at locations to deter North Korea provocations. The system would be deployed alongside South Korea's front line artillery brigade.

Seoul invested $112.4 million to develop the Chunmoo between 2009 and 2013. The new rocket can travel twice the distance of its predecessor the Guryong, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.