South Korea fired warning shots at North Korean soldiers when around 10 briefly crossed the heavily fortified border that divides the peninsula.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), in a statement, said that their military troops is monitoring the movement of North Korean soldiers and taking measures.
The North Korean troops were detected at 5 pm (0800 GMT) within the demilitarised zone separating both nations, where sections contain extensive minefields and dense vegetation.
“Our military conducted a warning broadcast and fired warning shots, and the North Korean soldiers moved north,” JCS said in a statement. It added, “Our military is closely monitoring the movements of the North Korean soldiers and taking necessary measures.”
Several of the border-crossing soldiers carried weapons and wore protective armour.
In the previous year, North Korean forces made several minor border violations, which Seoul authorities believed were unintentional.
This incident occurred shortly after a Seoul court dismissed President Yoon Suk Yeol, necessitating emergency elections scheduled for June 3.
Inter-Korean relations have deteriorated significantly, with Pyongyang often conducting provocative actions during significant South Korean events.
On Monday, South Korean defence forces noted unusual North Korean troop activities.
JCS spokesperson Lee Sung-jun reported Monday that approximately 1,500 North Korean troops were observed clearing terrain and installing barbed wire near frontline positions.
“The North Korean military is currently conducting training,” he said.
“It is expected that soon there will be tactical training or evaluation inspections.”
South Korean military leadership has confirmed readiness for any North Korean response following Yoon’s dismissal.
