Seoul:North Korean soldiers reportedly intruded across the heavily fortified inter-Korean border approximately 50 times during August and September, according to a lawmaker.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the main opposition People Power Party cited a response from the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) indicating that the incursions included around 20 crossings into the South in August and about 30 in September.
In reaction to these intrusions, the South Korean military responded by issuing warning broadcasts and firing warning shots, which prompted the North Korean soldiers to retreat.
Additionally, South Korea accused North Korea of causing a land mine explosion inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that injured South Korean troops last week. The incident led to demands from Seoul for an apology and responsible measures from Pyongyang.
The accusation by the South Korean military was made shortly after North Korea denied any involvement in the September 21 mine blast on the southern side of the border, dismissing Seoul's claims as a "groundless" conspiracy.
The JCS stated that the DMZ blast, caused by mines allegedly planted by the North, represents a breach of the Armistice Agreement that concluded the 1950-53 Korean War. They called on Pyongyang to cease its border fortification activities immediately.