SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean soldiers have reportedly fired warning shots after North Korean troops crossed the border in the third incident of its kind in June. The latest border crossing occurred amidst heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The South Korean military confirmed that the incident took place near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas. This marks the third time this month that North Korean soldiers have breached the border, prompting South Korean forces to respond with warning shots.
Border violations by North Korea are not uncommon, but the frequency of such incidents in June has raised concerns about escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The DMZ, a heavily fortified border that stretches 160 miles across the Korean Peninsula, serves as a buffer zone between the two countries.
South Korea's Ministry of National Defense stated that the North Korean soldiers retreated back across the border after the warning shots were fired. No casualties have been reported from the incident, and the situation is currently under control.
The South Korean military remains on high alert following the recent border crossings, emphasizing the need for vigilance and readiness to respond to any further provocations from North Korea. Both countries remain technically at war since the Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
Officials from both sides are expected to engage in discussions to address the recent border violations and prevent similar incidents in the future. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation on the Korean Peninsula as tensions persist between North and South Korea.
