Seoul reports about 50 North Korean border crossings in August and September

North Korean soldiers crossed the heavily fortified inter-Korean border around 50 times in August and September, South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon said, citing a reply from the Defence Ministry. He said about 20 crossings occurred in August and roughly 30 in September.

In response, South Korean forces issued warning broadcasts and fired warning shots. The North Korean soldiers then withdrew.

Separately, Seoul blamed Pyongyang for a September 21 land-mine blast on the southern side of the Demilitarized Zone that injured South Korean troops. South Korea demanded an apology and responsible measures. North Korea denied involvement and dismissed Seoul’s claims as a “groundless” conspiracy.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the blast, which it attributed to mines planted by the North, violated the Armistice Agreement that ended the 1950–53 Korean War. It called on Pyongyang to stop fortifying the border.