A trade of fire between North Korea and South Korea, which prompted South Korea to evacuate residents living near the western border.
Approximately 80 civilians from Yeoncheon have been affected by the evacuation. The residents have been displaced in underground bunkers, while others were encouraged to "take shelter."
According to reports, North Korea allegedly fired shots at some loudspeakers on the South Korea side.
The reason behind the fired shot was anti-North Korea propaganda playing on the said speakers. Both sides of the border have ceased playing propaganda messages 11 years ago.
However, the anti-North propaganda was a form of retaliation after two South Korean soldiers were injured because of a landmine in the Demilitarized Zone. North Korea has denied allegations regarding the landmine plantation.
According to CNN: "Two shells came from the North Korean side, the [South Korean Defense] Ministry said, and South Korea fired dozens of shells in response."
South Korean military spokesman, Col. Jeon Ha-Gyu stated:
"Our military raised its vigilance to the highest level and is closely watching the movement of the North Korean military, ready to respond strongly and decisively to any further provocations from the North."
North Korea has long been sensitive to criticisms regarding their leader, Kim Jong-Un, who is typically regarded in a godly state. So it's no surprise that the Korean state north of the border, took the propaganda negatively and responded with an attack.
A statement from the North Korean army reads:
"The broadcasts are equivalent to a declaration of war, and failure to immediately stop them and take down the loudspeakers will result in an all-out military action of justice to blow up all means for 'anti-North psychological warfare' on the frontlines."
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ordered a "semi-war state" on South Korea starting 5pm on Friday, during a Central Military Commission emergency meeting, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency.
There were no reported casualties from the exchange.
