Thaindian News

SEOUL (BNO NEWS) — Thick plumes of black smoke were rising from a South Korean island on Tuesday afternoon after an unexpected attack by North Korea, killing several people.

The attack began around 2.30 p.m. local time when North Korea fired more than 200 artillery shells near the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong, which has a population of nearly 1,200. As many as 70 houses were reported to be on fire, sending huge plumes of black smoke into the air.

The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) reported that at least several people had been killed in the attack, while the South Korean Yonhap news agency reported that at least 14 South Korean soldiers had been injured, including four who were seriously injured. At least four civilians were also injured.

Seoul confirmed it responded with artillery fire and scrambled F-16 fighter jets to respond to the sudden attack, which comes days after North Korea unveiled a vast new facility it secretly and rapidly built to enrich uranium.

South Korean government officials, including President Lee Myung-bak, were meeting at an underground bunker in Seoul to discuss how to respond to the attack. Lee said he was trying to prevent a greater conflict, although his spokesman said he was still considering how to respond.

The Bank of Korea said it has scheduled an emergency meeting of senior officials in wake of the attack, which has lowered the Won against the Dollar.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters in wake of the attack that both sides should do things conducive to peace and stability. “We are concerned about the issue and the real situation needs to be confirmed,” he said.