North Korean troops cross MDL, South Korean military issues warning shots

More than 10 North Korean soldiers invaded the Military Demarcation Line (MDL, the ceasefire line).

On the 8th, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that more than 10 North Korean soldiers crossed the MDL that day, and after warning broadcasts and warning shots from the South Korean military, they retreated back north.

According to the JCS, at 5 PM that day, more than 10 North Korean soldiers crossed into the southern side from the eastern front’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). They were wearing protective gear and some were armed with rifles.

The military immediately responded by issuing warning broadcasts and warning shots, after which the North Korean soldiers retreated back north of the MDL.

The JCS stated, "We are closely monitoring the North Korean military's movements and are taking necessary measures in accordance with operational procedures."

This incident of crossing is believed to be potentially related to a series of activities North Korea has shown recently in the DMZ area.

Since last year, the North Korean military has been continuously working on building roads and walls and laying mines in the DMZ.

During this process, there have been several instances where North Korean troops inadvertently crossed the MDL.

Possibility of intentional crossing raised, similar past cases

In June of last year, some North Korean soldiers working within the DMZ also crossed south of the MDL and retreated after warning broadcasts and warning shots from the South Korean military.

However, according to military officials, the North Korean soldiers who crossed this time were not in work uniforms, making it impossible to rule out the possibility of intentional crossing.

Some speculate that this could be an attempt to test the southern military's readiness in the midst of political turmoil following the president's impeachment and early elections.

In the past, North Korea had engaged in low-level provocations by moving troops near the MDL in 2014-2015, retreating after the military issued warning broadcasts.

The military authorities are enhancing their alert posture in preparation for the possibility of further provocations from North Korea.

Image sources: The Joint Chiefs of Staff recently released data on North Korean military activities on the 27th. The photo shows North Korean troops repairing the upper and lower parts of the barbed wire fence on the eastern front. / Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Joint Chiefs of Staff recently released data on North Korean military activities on the 27th. The photo shows North Korean troops moving with tools and a 'blockade' sign in the western front GP area. / Joint Chiefs of Staff, The North Korean Workers' Party's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on the 5th, "Kim Jong-un visited the training base of the Korean People's Army special operations forces on April 4 and guided comprehensive training." / News1 (Pyongyang Rodong Sinmun)