In a concerning development, North Korea has fired more than 200 rounds of artillery shells into the sea near a tense maritime border and towards two South Korean islands, prompting condemnation from South Korea. The act has been labeled as “an act of provocation” by Seoul, which responded with its own live fire drills. The exchange has led to the evacuation of residents on the affected islands.
The firing of artillery shells by North Korea caused no damage, according to South Korean officials. All the shells landed on the northern side of the sea border. South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik described the act as an “escalation of tension” and a threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula. He supervised the firing drills as a response.
North Korea, on the other hand, claimed that its defensive coastal units fired 192 rounds in response to recent military actions by South Korea’s “military gangsters.” The country warned of an “unprecedented strong response” if Seoul continued with its provocative moves.
The Ministry of National Defense in Seoul stated that it was closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the United States. Marine brigades based on the two affected islands demonstrated an “overwhelming operational response” by firing into the sea. The drills involved mechanized artillery and tanks.
Residents of the affected islands were instructed to move into bomb shelters for their safety. North Korea dismissed South Korea’s claims of impact on the islands as an attempt to mislead public opinion.
The disputed maritime border, known as the Northern Limit Line (NLL), has been a subject of contention between the two Koreas since the 1990s. Pyongyang argues that the NLL should lie further south. In 2010, North Korean artillery targeted Yeonpyeong Island, resulting in casualties, including civilians. The incident was sparked by Seoul’s live-fire drills that dropped shells into North Korean territorial waters.
China, a key ally of North Korea, called for calm and restraint from all relevant parties involved in the current situation. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson emphasized the need to avoid actions that aggravate tensions and to create conditions for meaningful dialogue.
The relationship between North Korea and South Korea has reached its lowest point in decades, with North Korea escalating its nuclear and military threats. The recent launch of a reconnaissance satellite and the testing of an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile demonstrate North Korea’s continued defiance.
As tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula, the international community watches closely for any further developments that could potentially escalate the situation.
