The North Korean military has breached the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the communist nation from South Korea multiple times this month. On Tuesday morning, North Korean soldiers were spotted inside the DMZ, apparently working on a project in the forbidden area.
South Korean military officials published photos of the incursion by North Korean troops around 8:30 a.m., who were seen carrying work tools. South Korean soldiers fired warning shots to scare off the North Koreans, who quickly retreated back to their own borders. It is estimated that approximately 20 to 30 North Koreans entered the DMZ during this incident.
This is not the first breach reported this month. A similar incident occurred on June 9 when a large group of North Korean soldiers crossed into the forbidden area. South Korean guards responded by broadcasting warning messages and firing warning shots until the intruders left the area.
These interactions have escalated tensions between the two Koreas at a time when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to host Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin is scheduled to visit Pyongyang for two days starting Tuesday, marking his first official state visit to the communist nation in 24 years.
Russia has maintained a close relationship with North Korea, providing support as Western powers imposed sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine. North Korea has also served as a key intermediary for Russia and China, facilitating business and manufacturing operations outside the purview of international law.
