Communists' Main Defences In Korea At The Capital

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 October 1950, Page 5

Communists' Main Defences In Korea At The Capital

All Reports Suggest There Is No Strong Resistance Elsewhere

SEOUL, Oct. 16 (Reed. 6 p.m.)—Well informed sources believe the only real strength left in the Communists’ crumbling defence structure is at the capital, Pyongyang. All reports suggest there is no strong Communist concentration in the immediate path of the American Ist Cavalry Division advance on Pyongyang. The chief hindrance might be the crossing of several rivers, where the bridges have been destroyed.

The British Commonwealth Brigade today swept north from Kumchon after linking with elements of the United States Ist Cavalry Division last night. They are progressing over broken and difficult country, but meeting little resistance.

South Korean troops, carrying only arms and water streamed up the valley road to within 34 miles of the North Korean capital. They made a flank thrust along a highway east of the main American drive north up the Sariwon road, towards Pyongyang.

South Koreans, pushing from the important road junction of Suan, have outstripped supply transport and heavy equipment. Their attack has run ahead of other prongs, but they are now entering heavily defended ft iff country. The United States Ist Cavalry Division forces, driving northward along the main Seoul-Pyongyang road, were reported to be 49 miles from the North Korean capital. They are meeting the stiffest resistance of the North Korean campaign. British and Australian troops, operating with the cavalrymen, are completing the destruction of trapped enemy units in the Kumchon area. Long hoarded North Korean aircraft and tanks and the toughest remaining infantry are expected to be thrown into a last ditch struggle for Pyongyang. The South Korean 3rd and Capitol Divisions are pushing north above captured Wonsan against the twin objectives of Hamhung and Hungnam, which are regarded as the last important cities on the east coast. South Koreans, driving west across the neck of the peninsula from Wonsan. were reported today within 45 miles of Pyongyang. A South Korean official said they were moving fast and it was difficult to pinpoint their positions.

Between this attack and the Suan thrust farther south, other South Koreans today advanced 15 miles beyond Ichon to complete the arc around Pyongyang. American drive north has moved quickly but against heavier resistance from tanks and guns than experienced by the South Koreans. Namchonjon, 13 miles north of

Kumchon and Sariwon are now in American hands. Pilots report heavy convoy of traffic into Pyongyang. All day yesterday convoys of 50, 30 and 15 lorries moved, in from the north. Another convoy of 100 lorries was seen moving soutn from Pyongyang. Bad weather, with low cloud, grounded most aircraft until midday, but Superforts flew north of Pyongyang to destroy rebuilt bridges across which the northerners are sending convoys. United Nations troops are fanning out on both sides on roads leading to Pyongyang. Protecting flanks are mopping up Communist remnants. A spokesman said the British Commonwealth Brigade would follow the American Ist Cavalry Division in the Pyongyang drive when the British complete the task of cleaning up Communist pockets in the Kumchon area. At least 1000 northerners are still fighting desperately north. of Kumchon. The United States 24th Division, striking due west from Kaesong last night, occupied Yonan on the coast south of the 38th pars!!;! The Communist garrison fled without a fight. Communist pockets are still holding out in the South Korean hills after a fortnight’s mopping up. Heavy paI tral actions are being repeatedly reported. * Advancing United Nations troops have been frequently uncovering secret booby-trapped arsenals prepared by the retreating Communists for possible guerrilla warfare once organised resistance ends.