North Korea warns South Korea with ballistic missiles as Seoul calls for talks to ease border tensions

North Korea launched around a dozen short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea on Thursday, according to South Korea's military. This occurred a day after Seoul called for talks to prevent accidental clashes along their heavily fortified border. The missiles were launched from the eastern coastal area of Wonsan and traveled approximately 250 kilometers.

In response, South Korea stepped up surveillance for further launches and shared information with the United States and Japan. Seoul proposed military talks on October 23 to jointly verify the location of the Military Demarcation Line, restore military communication lines, and agree on measures to prevent accidental clashes. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young renewed the appeal for dialogue, emphasizing the need for peaceful management of the area.

North Korea has not responded to the talks proposal. The recent landmine explosions in the Demilitarised Zone, which injured three South Korean soldiers, have further deepened border tensions. Seoul accused North Korean troops of planting the mines, while North Korea denied responsibility and accused South Korea of fabricating the incident.

The US-led United Nations Command, which oversees the armistice, identified an active North Korean mine south of the line and determined that an armistice violation had occurred. North Korean troops have been reinforcing the border with roads, fences, and landmines, while South Korea claims they have repeatedly crossed the demarcation line during the work, prompting warning broadcasts and warning shots.

Differing interpretations of the boundary, with many markers installed under the 1953 armistice deteriorated or missing, could lead to accidental clashes. Direct military communication between the two Koreas remains suspended.

Brief written by urgent.news from Euronews's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.