Communist Counter-Attack Follows United Nations Offensive

Wanganui Chronicle, 13 November 1950, Page 5

Communist Counter-Attack Follows United Nations Offensive

SEOUL, Nov 12 (Recd 8.20 pm).— Communist forces counter-attacked in the centre and on both flanks of the 250 mile North Korean hattlefroni last night after the United Nations troops had taken the offensive. The Communists, who are reported to include Chinese and North Koreans, drove the South Korean forces out of ruined Tokchon in the north centra sector and pinned down an American battalion with heavy mortar fire. Six enemy battalions on the northeast coast threw the Sourh Korean Capitol Division back five mlies after it had advanced to within 30 miles of the big post city ot Chongjin. On the extreme western flank of the United Nations line, the enemy staged three night attacks in battalion

strength, but they were repulsed by the South Korean Ist. Division American artillery went into action to help the South Koreans break up the Communist attacks between Kasan and the Chongchon river.

The American 10th. Corps H.Q. reported that a Communist attack on the north-east coast was halted after the South Koreans withdrew, but there were indications that the Communists intended to make a stand along two rivers across the coastal highway to Chongjin ann the Siberian border.

American forces in other areas remaineu on the offensive. Marines advanced to within less than five miles of the strategic Changjin reservoir in the north-east sector —United Press.