South Korean riot police fought pitched battles with anti-US protesters and farmers today as authorities moved to clear two rural townships to pave the way for a new US military base.
About 1,000 protesters, many wielding bamboo sticks, clashed with police armed with batons in an area about 70 kilometres south of Seoul where land for the base has been allocated. Scores of protesters were hurt, with at least two, who appeared to be unconscious, carried away on stretchers.
About a dozen journalists, wearing helmets and armbands identifying them as media, were also hurt after being beaten by police.
The confrontation has been brewing for months since about 100 farmers refused to vacate the area where South Korea and the United States agreed two years ago to move the main US military base now in Seoul and several others in the country.
The number of protesters - many of whom are anti-US activists, unionists and students - swelled overnight after reports the government would send in thousands of police and military engineers to clear the 9.4-square kilometre area.
South Korean Defence Minister Yoon Kwang-ung said: "It is unacceptable that some opponents of this national project are taking advantage of local residents by turning it into a political battle."