North Korea has accused South Korea of conducting a “deliberate provocation aimed at military conflict” after Seoul confirmed its soldiers fired warning shots toward North Korean troops that crossed the demarcation line between the two countries. The incident occurred on Tuesday, with North Korean troops allegedly crossing into the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the afternoon.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the North Korean troops entered the DMZ without permission and later returned to their side of the border. The South Korean military responded by firing warning shots at the North Korean personnel, which they claim were trespassing on their territory.
North Korean Army Lieutenant General Ko Jong Chol accused South Korea of using excessive force, stating that his troops were conducting a “permanent barrier project” near the southern border line and claiming to have informed the US military about it. He said the incident was premeditated and deliberate provocation aimed at military conflict, targeting those who want to pursue military confrontation with North Korea.
The North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, has also been addressing his military heroes who fought against Ukrainian forces earlier this year. This comes as a joint US-South Korean military exercise, titled Ulchi Freedom Shield, is currently taking place in the region, which the North Korean government describes as a “serious challenge” to peace.
Despite the ongoing tension, there does not appear to be an immediate intention from either side to escalate into open conflict. However, periodic border clashes have occurred between North and South Korean troops since the 1953 armistice that ended the three-year war between the two countries.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between North Korea and South Korea, which remain technically at war despite a formal armistice agreement in 1953. The situation remains fluid, with both sides taking measures to deter potential conflicts.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/north-korea-slams-deliberate-provocation-after-south-korea-fires-shots-2118211