Seoul, June 19, 2024 — South Korean troops fired warning shots to repel North Korean soldiers who briefly crossed the heavily fortified land border between the two countries on Tuesday, marking the second such incident this month. The incursions are believed to have been unintentional, according to South Korea’s military.

Voice of America reported that about 20 to 30 North Korean soldiers crossed the military demarcation line in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) while performing construction work. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the North Korean soldiers retreated after the South broadcasted warnings and fired warning shots. The South's military reported no suspicious activity following the incident.

The border area, dense with overgrown trees and plants, may have caused the North Korean soldiers to inadvertently cross the border, as they might not have known the exact location of the military demarcation line, according to South Korean officials. They emphasized that they do not believe the soldiers deliberately entered South Korean territory. Notably, the North did not return fire.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and complexities along the DMZ, one of the world's most heavily militarized borders. Despite these tensions, both sides avoided further escalation in this instance. The South Korean military continues to monitor the area closely to prevent future incursions and maintain stability along the border.