As tensions in the Middle East, and between Russia and Europe, deepen, so is the confrontations between the two Koreas. South Korea has been playing propaganda broadcasts at the border, and North Korea is demanding that they stop. North Korea sent shells across the border as a warning, and South Korea responded with dozens of artillery rounds toward North Korea. Thursday's exchange marks the first exchange of fire in 10 months.
After the back and forth was complete, North Korea sent a letter to Seoul indicating the communist country to the north would take military action if the South did not stop the loudspeaker broadcasts along the border within 48 hours. North Korea considers the broadcasts a declaration of war. Despite the act of war, the north also offered reunification with the south, a demand that would no doubt require the rise of communism in South Korea.
South Korea's response is that the broadcasts will continue, a propaganda campaign that began along the border on August 10. Both sides used to use the tactic of loudspeaker broadcasts regularly, but both sides halted the practice in 2004.
United States presence in the region includes about 28,500 military personnel in South Korea. The State Department has indicated the U.S. Government is closely monitoring the situation.
The first North Korean shell landed in an area about 60 km (35 miles) north of Seoul in the western part of the border zone, South Korea's defense ministry said. Nearly 800 South Korean residents living close to the border were ordered to evacuate and stay in shelters.
In early August, landmine explosions in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of the border wounded two South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused North Korea of laying the mines, which Pyongyang has denied.
The incident prompted Seoul to stage the propaganda broadcasts.
Thursday's exchange of fire took place during annual joint U.S. and South Korean military exercises, which began on Monday and which North Korea condemns as preparation for war. These exercises are normal, annual events. When I was in the Navy, in 1986, we called the exercise "Team Spirit."
Technically, the two Koreas remain in a state of war since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in a cease fire (truce), not a peace treaty or surrender.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
United States presence in the region includes about 28,500 military personnel in South Korea. The State Department has indicated the U.S. Government is closely monitoring the situation.
The first North Korean shell landed in an area about 60 km (35 miles) north of Seoul in the western part of the border zone, South Korea's defense ministry said. Nearly 800 South Korean residents living close to the border were ordered to evacuate and stay in shelters.
In early August, landmine explosions in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of the border wounded two South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused North Korea of laying the mines, which Pyongyang has denied.
The incident prompted Seoul to stage the propaganda broadcasts.
Thursday's exchange of fire took place during annual joint U.S. and South Korean military exercises, which began on Monday and which North Korea condemns as preparation for war. These exercises are normal, annual events. When I was in the Navy, in 1986, we called the exercise "Team Spirit."
Technically, the two Koreas remain in a state of war since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in a cease fire (truce), not a peace treaty or surrender.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
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