Seoul: South Korea’s military reported on Tuesday that it had fired warning shots after a group of North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the military demarcation line (MDL) within the eastern section of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) before retreating.
“Our military conducted warning broadcasts and warning shots after about 10 North Korean soldiers crossed the military demarcation line (MDL) in the eastern area of the demilitarised zone (DMZ) around 5:00 pm local time,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) stated in a message to reporters.
According to the JCS, some of the North Korean troops involved were armed. However, the incursion is believed to have been unintentional. Yonhap News Agency, citing a military official, reported that the soldiers may have crossed the line accidentally while conducting reconnaissance activities ahead of scheduled operations in the area.
“Our military is closely monitoring the North Korean military’s activity and taking necessary measures according to the operational procedures,” the JCS added.
This latest incident follows increased military activity along the DMZ. On Monday, South Korean military authorities observed approximately 1,500 North Korean personnel engaged in installing barbed wire and performing land works within the DMZ—actions linked to the North’s ongoing military exercises.
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The region has witnessed a surge in such breaches. In June 2024 alone, South Korea documented at least three similar incidents involving North Korean soldiers crossing the MDL.
Amid growing security concerns, South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo reaffirmed the government’s defense stance last Friday. “The government would maintain a steadfast readiness posture against North Korea provocations,” he said, following the Constitutional Court’s decision to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office through impeachment.
The Korean Peninsula remains in a technical state of war, as the 1950-1953 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
