The South Korean military fired warning shots because North Korean soldiers crossed the military demarcation line and then returned, reports "Reuters".
"Our military fired warning shots after about 10 North Korean soldiers crossed the military demarcation line in the eastern part of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at around 5:00 p.m. local time," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
"Our military is closely monitoring the activities of the North Korean army and taking necessary measures in accordance with operational procedures," he assured.
Some of the North Korean soldiers were armed.
However, the crossing may have occurred by mistake during reconnaissance work before planned work in the area, a military official said.
Yesterday, the South Korean military reported that about 1,500 North Koreans were working on barbed wire installations in the demilitarized zone while the North was conducting military exercises.
In June 2024 there have been at least three incidents of North Korean soldiers crossing the demarcation line amid heightened activity nearby.
South Korea's acting President Han Dak-soo stressed on Friday that the government would maintain a firm stance of preparedness against North Korean provocations after the Constitutional Court removed President Yun Suk-yeol.
The two Koreas are still at war after the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.