Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Seoul, Nov 23, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The artillery firing that ensued across the border was initiated by South Korea, according to North Korean officials. The cross-border duel claimed the lives of two mariners and also left as many as 18 injured in an island along the South Korean border. However, South Korea has refuted the claims made by the North Korean officials, emphasizing that the firing was initiated by the latter and it only returned fired in the incident.

A statement that has been released by the military command of North Korea read that the South Korea repeatedly indulged in reckless military provocation in the form of artillery firing in the country’s military territory along the Yeonpyeong island. The statement further went on to say that military action that has been undertaken by North Korea would continue with ‘no hesitation’ if South Korea dares to invade their territory despite repeated warnings. However, South Korean officials have put forward contradictory statements claiming the North Korean shells started the artillery firing off the island of Yeonpyeong. Col Lee Bung-Woo emphasized that the South Korean military was not left with any other option but to fire back 80 shells in self defense. In the meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has issued a warning against North Korea that it would ’sternly retaliate against any further provocations.’

Experts have expressed fear that the recent artillery firing between North Korea and South Korea is one of the most significant clashes to take place between the two countries since the Korean war reached its conclusion way back in the year 1953 without a peace agreement.