South Korea has strongly criticized North Korea’s actions, calling them “an act of provocation that escalates tension and threatens peace on the Korean peninsula.” North Korea fired over 200 rounds of artillery shells into the sea near a tense maritime border and towards two South Korean islands. Residents on the islands of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong were ordered to seek shelter due to an unspecified “situation”. South Korea’s military stated that the firing caused no civilian or military damage and that all the shells landed on the northern side of the sea border. The defense ministry in Seoul warned North Korea, stating that they bear full responsibility for the escalating crisis and urging them to cease their actions immediately. South Korea’s military also closely tracked the situation in coordination with the United States and vowed to take appropriate measures in response to North Korea’s provocations.
Residents of the affected islands were directed to evacuate to bomb shelters at the request of the South Korean military, with the message citing “naval fire” to be conducted by South Korean troops. Pyongyang has long disputed the Northern Limit Line (NLL) sea border and has previously targeted Yeonpyeong island in 2010, resulting in casualties. China has called for all parties to maintain calm and restraint to avoid further escalation, while North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued bellicose rhetoric targeting Seoul and Washington.
Overall, the relationship between North and South Korea is at a low point, with North Korea ramping up its nuclear and military threats in recent months.