Seoul, Aug 21 (IANS): North Korea has deployed more fire units to the frontline areas with South Korea after exchanging fires near the west border, media reported on Friday citing the South Korean military.

North Korean forces deployed more fire units south to the frontlines, which had been already packed with major artilleries such as 240-mm multiple rocket launchers and 170-mm self-propelled howitzers, Xinhua news agency reported.

The forward deployment comes after South Korea and the North Korea traded fires Thursday over the resumption of the propaganda broadcasts.

South Korea resumed blaring the propaganda message with loudspeakers from Aug. 10, which the North Korea called a declaration of war.

The resumption came as two South Korean soldiers were maimed on Aug 4 following the explosion of landmines, which South Korea claimed had been planted by the North Korea. Pyongyang denied any role in the blast.

The North Korea warned Thursday that South Korea should dismantle the loudspeakers in border areas within 48 hours from 5 p.m. (0800 GMT) or face military actions.