South Korean forces fired warning shots on Tuesday after about 10 North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the military demarcation line in the eastern section of the Demilitarized Zone, prompting their immediate retreat.
The incident occurred at 5 p.m. local time when the North Korean troops, some armed, violated the border separating the two Koreas. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the soldiers returned to their territory after warning broadcasts and gunfire. No injuries were reported during the encounter.
The border violation heightened already tense relations between the two nations, which have been strained by North Korea’s recent military buildup and closer ties with Russia. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared the inter-Korean relationship as one between “two states hostile to each other,” further escalating concerns on the peninsula.
This event echoes a similar incident in June 2024, when 20 to 30 North Korean soldiers crossed the same border carrying work tools. That crossing occurred shortly before Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang, raising questions about North Korea’s intentions.
The Demilitarized Zone, a 155-mile-long, 2.5-mile-wide buffer established in 1953 after the Korean War, remains one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders. It is lined with barbed wire, land mines, and combat units on both sides. Despite its name, the area is a frequent site of tension, with both nations maintaining a strong military presence.
Amid the ongoing friction, President Donald Trump has expressed interest in restarting diplomatic talks with North Korea. However, Pyongyang has not responded to these overtures; instead, it has accused Washington of hostile policies. South Korean authorities said they are closely monitoring the North’s military activities and have increased vigilance following the incident.