South Korea Fires Warning Shots At North Korean Soldiers, Putin To Visit Pyongyang

South Korean military: "These activities appear to be measures to strengthen internal control of the North Korean military and residents and fend off their attempts to cross the border".

SEOUL - South Korean soldiers fired warning shots at North Korean soldiers after they crossed the two countries' shared border for the second time in less than two weeks, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff. North Korea says Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a visit to Pyongyang from June 18 to 19th.

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The South Korean military reported that around 20 to 30 North Korean soldiers crossed the Demarcation Line within the shared Demilitarized Zone, a perimeter meant to add an extra layer of security or a buffer zone between the two countries.

Similar to the first time North Korean soldiers crossed the Demarcation Line within the DMZ, the North Korean soldiers again were carrying construction tools.

After the South Korean military broadcasted audio warnings and fired warning shots, the North Korean soldiers returned to their side of the border, prompting the South Korean military again to assess the border crossing was likely accidental.

South Korean media reported that the crossings are occurring during heightened activity by the North Korean military around the border area, such as planting mines, and building walls and roads for military operations.

The South Korean military said, "These activities appear to be measures to strengthen internal control of the North Korean military and residents and fend off their attempts to cross the border". 

A Joint Chiefs of Staff official told South Korean media, "There were guard troops (among the invading North Korean troops who were armed), but those troops were not guarding our side but were watching their own (operation) troops”.

Another official said, “The area where the North Korean military invaded the MDL today is different from the area where it invaded on the 9th,” and added, “We will have to see whether it will continue to repeat itself, but we are taking action according to the manual,” and added, “We will clarify the measures taken when the MDL is violated”.

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