North Korea launches artillery shells into ‘buffer zones’

Picture source - nknews.org (representational/dated March 2020)

The Democratic People’s Republic of [North] Korea last night launched artillery shells into maritime buffer zones to warn the Republic of [South] Korea to stop ongoing military exercises.

As per an Anadolu Agency report, the North Korean People’s Army (KPA) spokesperson confirmed the launch stating that it was a response to the South’s army for launching shells from multiple missile launchers in the Cholwon County, South Kangwon Province.

According to North Korea Central News Agency, a KPA spokesman stated that the situation on the Korean peninsula is getting worse due to the enemies’ repeated military provocations in the forefront area.

Pyongyang presumes South Korea ongoing drills as “enemy’s war drill against the north.”

KPA spokesman further added, “Enemies should immediately stop the reckless and inciting provocations escalating the military tension in the forefront area.”

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Kim Seung-kyum indicated that North Korea fired 100 artillery shells into the Yellow Sea and 150 into the East Sea last night.

Earlier, North Korea also launched a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) into the East Sea on Friday, as well as 170 artillery rounds into maritime “buffer zones”.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol called the move violation of the 2018 agreement (an agreement between two states creating buffer zones in both land and sea).

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen further following recent military drills by South Korea, as well as US and North Korean missile tests.