South Korea's military fired warning shots after North Korean soldiers crossed the military demarcation line near the border. This was announced by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Cited by Reuters.
About 20-30 soldiers breached the line and entered 20 meters into the demilitarized zone. They turned back after warning shots were fired by South Korea. According to Seoul, the violation was intentional.
North Korea's military conducts a variety of frontline activities, including deploying troops and laying landmines. Such activities appear to be part of efforts to tighten border controls and prevent North Koreans from defecting to the South.
The South Korean Army. closely monitors the activities of the North Korean army in the frontline area.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea, his first visit to the country in 24 years.