In a recent escalation of tensions, North Korea launched over 200 artillery rounds into the sea near the heavily fortified maritime border with South Korea. The incident prompted the evacuation of residents from two South Korean islands due to an unspecified “situation.”
The South Korean defense ministry has not officially confirmed whether the evacuation was a response to North Korea’s artillery firing or part of scheduled South Korean drills. However, a text message sent to residents mentioned “naval fire” by South Korean troops starting at 3 p.m. on Friday.
The evacuation primarily affected Yeonpyeong Island, located just south of the disputed Northern Limit Line (NLL). Residents of Baengnyeong Island, situated further west and close to the sea border, were also instructed to evacuate. The evacuation was made at the request of the South Korean military.
North Korea’s artillery fire reportedly caused no damage in the South, according to a military briefing. The shells landed north of the Northern Limit Line, which serves as the de facto sea boundary between the two Koreas.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that North Korea violated a 2018 military agreement by firing 200 rounds in the waters north of the disputed western sea boundary. The South Korean government labeled the North Korean drills as a provocation, pledging to respond with ‘appropriate’ measures.
Seoul issued a warning on Friday, emphasizing its readiness to address North Korea’s shelling. A Yeonpyeong village official informed Reuters that the evacuation order was issued in response to a request from the South Korean military. The official stated that the evacuation was prompted by a situation involving North Korean provocation.
The situation highlights the delicate state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula, with both sides engaging in actions that raise concerns about the potential for further escalation. The international community will closely monitor developments and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the region.
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