Seoul / Pyongyang – Tensions are rising on the Korean Peninsula after North Korea accused South Korea of firing more than 10 warning shots at its soldiers near the border. Pyongyang warned that such “deliberate provocations” could push the situation to an “uncontrollable level.”
According to North Korea’s state media, the incident happened on Tuesday as North Korean soldiers were working on a project to permanently seal parts of the heavily fortified border. The Korean People’s Army (KPA) said South Korea’s military fired machine gun rounds towards its troops without justification.
“This is a serious provocation that could lead to military confrontation,” said Ko Jong Chol, Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff. “If South Korea continues to obstruct our non-military construction work, we will take corresponding countermeasures.”
South Korea confirmed firing warning shots but said it acted after several North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The troops then retreated north of the line.
The two Koreas have long been divided by one of the world’s most heavily armed borders. While clashes are rare, both sides have exchanged warning shots in recent years. The last such incident was in April, when North Korean troops reportedly crossed the border.
The dispute comes at a sensitive time. South Korea’s new President Lee Jae-myung, elected in June, has promised to reduce tensions, even suspending loudspeaker broadcasts along the border that previously blared K-pop songs and news into the North. Pyongyang, however, remains suspicious and recently blew up sections of unused cross-border roads and railways to physically cut off contact.
Relations worsened last year after North Korea sent thousands of balloons filled with trash into the South, calling it retaliation for anti-Pyongyang leaflets launched by activists.
Analysts warn the latest incident could derail any chances of dialogue. North Korea says sealing the border is part of a plan to prevent “misjudgment and accidental conflict,” but Seoul fears the North may be preparing for more aggressive steps.
For now, both sides are on high alert as the region watches whether this will remain a war of words—or something far more dangerous.
