South Korea Fires Warning Shots After North Korean Boat Allegedly Crosses Maritime Border
A North Korean patrol boat allegedly crossed a maritime border Monday, forcing the South Korean navy to fire warning shots against the vessel. The alleged trespassing took place a day after the North Korea launched a long-range missile, Yonhap News Agency reported Monday.
According to reports, the North Korean patrol boat allegedly crossed the disputed maritime border in Yellow Sea, also known as the Northern Limit Line (NLL), a South Korean military official said. After being fired with warning shots, the North Korean patrol boat reportedly withdrew northward.
"The South Korean military is on high alert, beefing up surveillance near the NLL and monitoring any abnormal activities by North Korean soldiers," the official said.
A spokesman for South's Joint Chiefs said five shots were fired at the North Korean patrol boat before the vessel retreated.
"After trespassing the NLL in the West Sea, through the issuance of warning shots [the military] was able to drive out the boat immediately," Jeon Ha Gyu said, as noted by UPI Monday.
A source also said they have been monitoring the activities of the North Korean troops.
"We have been monitoring North Korea troop movements, while staying on high alert in a state of preparedness," the source revealed.
President Park Geun Hye has called for intensified alertness against possible provocations following North Korea's recent hydrogen test last month.
A spokesman at the ruling Saenuri Party said North Korea's invasion breached the Korean Armstice Agreement.
"The North Korean military's intrusion is a clear violation of the 1953 Armistice Agreement," Kim Yong Woo said. "It was quite intentional as the country made back-to-back provocations during the Lunar New Year's holiday."
On the other hand, main opposition Minjoo Party called on North Korea to end its provocations, adding that the South Korean military should be prepared for possible provocations from the rival.
"Our military should be fully ready for further signs of North Korea's provocations," spokesman Kim Sung Soo said.
