North Korean soldiers cross border for third time in 12 days

North Korean soldiers plant landmines in the inter-Korean border areas. The photo is provided by the South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. [JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF]

Several North Korean soldiers working in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) crossed the military demarcation line (MDL) on Thursday and retreated immediately after warning shots from South Korean military forces, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Friday.

The North Korean soldiers crossed the MDL by approximately 20 meters (65 feet) around 11 a.m. on Thursday, marking the third intrusion this month.

After returning, the JCS monitored the situation in the border area and observed that those soldiers who had returned to the North resumed their tasks on the North's side of the DMZ.

On Tuesday, approximately 20 to 30 soldiers from North Korea trespassed across the MDL and returned to their country after the South issued warning shots and broadcasts. Similarly, on June 9, dozens of North Korean soldiers working in the DMZ crossed the MDL but retreated after receiving warning shots from the South.

The JCS views these military line crossings as "mere intrusions," as the soldiers promptly retreated after the South’s warnings.

The area is densely forested with trees and grass, which can obscure the visibility of the MDL markers.

North Korea's military has been burying landmines, planting vegetation and repairing roads in the DMZ to enhance its defense capabilities. South Korea's military estimates that dozens, or possibly hundreds, of soldiers have been mobilized for these activities.

BY LEE SOO-JUNG [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]