rki.news | Source: Xinhua

SEOUL, August 16: South Korean troops fired warning shots after several soldiers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) crossed the military demarcation line (MDL) earlier this week, Yonhap News Agency reported Sunday, citing a South Korean government source.

The incident was reportedly the first such warning-fire response by South Korean forces this year following a DPRK military crossing of the MDL.

According to the report, several DPRK soldiers crossed the line in the eastern part of the Korean Peninsula. South Korean troops responded with warning shots in accordance with established operational procedures, after which the DPRK soldiers withdrew to the northern side. No other unusual activity was reported.

The report said DPRK troops have increased efforts to fortify border areas around the MDL since 2024, following Pyongyang’s declaration in late 2023 that inter-Korean relations had become those between “two states hostile to each other.”

Seventeen MDL crossing incidents involving DPRK troops were reportedly recorded last year during the border fortification activities.

Under South Korean rules of engagement, troops issue warning broadcasts when DPRK soldiers approach the MDL and fire warning shots if they cross it.

The DPRK has not commented on the incident.