North Korean soldiers have crossed the demilitarized zone (DMZ) into South Korea multiple times this month. On Tuesday morning, South Korean military officials spotted North Korean soldiers inside the DMZ working on a project. Photos of the incursion were released around 8:30 a.m., showing North Korean troops carrying work tools. South Korean soldiers fired warning shots to scare off the North Koreans, who quickly retreated back to their own borders. It is estimated that about 20 to 30 North Koreans entered the DMZ during this incident.
This is not the first time such an incursion has occurred. A similar event took place earlier in June when a large group of North Korean soldiers crossed into the forbidden area on June 9, prompting a response from South Korean guards.
These incidents have raised tensions between North and South Korea, especially as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is preparing to host Russian President Vladimir Putin this week. Putin’s visit to Pyongyang marks his first official state visit to North Korea in 24 years. Russia has maintained a close relationship with North Korea, providing support as Western powers imposed sanctions over various issues.
In recent years, North Korea has played a significant role in facilitating business and manufacturing operations for both Russia and China, serving as a crucial intermediary outside the bounds of international law.
The upcoming meeting between Putin and Kim Jong Un is expected to have implications not only for the region but also for global geopolitics. As the situation continues to develop, all eyes will be on the outcomes of this high-profile visit and its impact on the already tense relations between North and South Korea.