North Korean army vows 'special operation'

North Korea's military has announced it will soon launch "special operations" against South Korea's conservative president, accusing him of insulting Pyongyang's past leaders.

"We announce that special actions by our revolutionary army aimed to crush reckless challenges by the enemy forces will begin soon," said a statement on official media which gave no details of the actions.

"The target of the special actions is the main enemy, Lee Myung-Bak, and his followers including the conservative media," said the announcement on Monday by what was termed the "special operation action unit" of the top military command.

The North has for months been criticising the South's President Lee in extreme terms and threatening "sacred war". No incidents have been reported.

Tens of thousands rallied in Pyongyang last Friday, screaming hatred for Lee and calling for his death over alleged insults during anniversary celebrations held by the North in mid-April.

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