Greens split over Ukraine military aid as Sarah Hanson-Young breaks ranks

Booms heard near Ganghwa Island on South Korea's western coast may be connected to North Korea's efforts to bolster coastal defenses, according to a South Korean military spokesperson. The explosions were reportedly detected across the border on the northern side of the island, prompting the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff to closely monitor the situation.

North Korea was observed engaged in demolition and fortification activities in the vicinity of Ganghwa Island, a report by Japanese broadcaster NHK revealed earlier. A resident of Ganghwa shared their experience of hearing intense explosions, emphasizing that such occurrences were unprecedented in their lifetime. Capt. Jang Do-young of the South Korean military stated that the explosions indicate North Korea's reinforcement of its coastal security facilities, emphasizing that they are monitoring the developments closely.

Situated just northwest of Incheon along the Han River estuary, Ganghwa Island is a strategically significant location in the region.