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N Korea says it may open fire near disputed sea border
North Korea warned South Korean warships to steer clear of the disputed Yellow Sea border, saying its coastal artillery would target the area as part of firing exercises.
North Korea on Monday warned South Korean warships to steer clear of the disputed Yellow Sea border, saying its coastal artillery would target the area as part of firing exercises.
The North's navy command, in a statement on official media, said its move came in response to "reckless military provocations" from the South.
Tensions have remained high in the Yellow Sea since a naval clash on November 10 left a North Korean patrol boat in flames.
The North refuses to accept the border known as the Northern Limit Line and demands it be drawn further to the south. It said Monday it would recognise only its own line.
The waters near its maritime border have been declared a "peacetime naval firing zone" for coastal and island artillery units, the North's statement said.
"The North's statement, tantamount to a warning, does not help reduce tension," said a spokesman for Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff. "The military is taking necessary countermeasures," he said, without elaborating.
Last Thursday the North accused the South of staging a "unpardonable military act" by firing artillery in the western sea border region. Seoul said the firing was part of a routine drill.