Korean border heats up: North shells draw evacuation
South Korea evacuated residents of two islands near a disputed maritime border Friday after North Korea launched over 200 artillery rounds into the sea, escalating tensions in the already fragile peninsula.
"This is a clear violation of the military agreement between the two countries," declared Lee Sung Joon, a South Korean military spokesperson. "We urge North Korea to immediately halt such acts."
No casualties or damage were reported in South Korea from the artillery fire, which fell north of the contested Northern Limit Line (NLL). However, the incident prompted Seoul to scramble fighter jets and respond with live-fire drills of its own.
The artillery barrage comes just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's New Year's address, where he emphasised military preparedness. This latest provocation also follows the North's unilateral cancellation of a key inter-Korean military deal in November 2023.
Adding to the simmering tensions, North Korea set a record for ballistic missile tests in 2023, defying international condemnation and UN resolutions.
South Korea, in close cooperation with the United States, vowed to "take appropriate measures" in response to the artillery fire. However, both sides appear cautious about escalating the situation further, raising concerns about the ongoing volatility in the region.
While both Seoul and Pyongyang have issued statements urging restraint, the recent artillery fire highlights the precarious state of peace on the Korean Peninsula. The international community continues to watch closely, anxious to see if this latest incident will further destabilise the region or pave the way for renewed dialogue.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
