South Korea issued an evacuation order on Friday for residents on the island of Yeonpyeong after North Korea fired over 200 artillery shells near the disputed maritime border between the two countries.
North Korea Conducts Artillery Drill, Shells Land Near Yeonpyeong
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), North Korea fired approximately 210 artillery shells beginning around 2:59 pm local time from a site just north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) – the de facto maritime border – in waters between the Korean Peninsula and China.
Over 10 of the shells landed in waters less than 1 to 3 nautical miles south of the NLL near Yeonpyeong Island, located just south of the border in the Yellow Sea. Yeonpyeong, which has over 1,000 residents, was the site of a North Korean artillery attack in 2010 that killed 4 South Koreans.
The South Korean military broadcast evacuation warnings multiple times to residents on Yeonpyeong and sent text alerts advising them to move to underground shelters. Officials also halted ferry services and fishing activities around the island.
North Korea Increases Provocations Amid US-South Korea Military Drills
The artillery firing comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently called for bolstering the country’s military capabilities. It appears to be the latest in a series provocations from Pyongyang in response to ongoing joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
Earlier this week, the two allies kicked off a tabletop exercise focused on the possibility of North Korea using nuclear weapons. That drill follows large-scale field exercises held in late 2022.
North Korea has long objected to such joint drills, calling them rehearsals for invasion.
South Korea Vows Response, Readies Similar Firing Drills
South Korea criticized North Korea’s firing as a “clear armed provocation” that violates inter-Korean agreements. President Yoon Suk Yeol warned that North Korea would face a strong response if such provocations continued.
South Korea’s military announced it would begin its own firing exercises near the maritime border and increase patrols and surveillance activities in the area. Officials also indicated they would summon the North Korean military liaison officer for an explanation.
The United States joined South Korea in condemning North Korea’s “reckless” provocation. Both Seoul and Washington reaffirmed their commitment to respond appropriately to destabilizing behavior from Pyongyang.
Fears of Further Escalation
Analysts have warned that the latest incident raises the possibility of further clashes and escalation between the Koreas this year, especially with both sides conducting military activities along the border.
There are worries that even an accidental exchange of fire during a crisis could spiral out of control when communication channels are limited. The 1950-1953 Korean War began after months of provocations and border conflicts.
Others caution that North Korea may carry out more significant provocations, including a potential nuclear or long-range missile test, in the coming months. Pyongyang has reportedly been preparing to test a submarine-launched ballistic missile.
Timeline of Recent Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2022 | US and South Korea hold large-scale field exercises involving thousands of troops |
| January 1, 2023 | Kim Jong Un calls for “exponential” increase in North Korea’s nuclear arsenal |
| January 2 | US and South Korea begin tabletop exercise focused on potential North Korean nuclear attacks |
| January 5 | North Korea fires over 200 artillery shells near Yeonpyeong Island |
| January 5 | South Korea issues evacuation warnings for Yeonpyeong, halts ferry services |
| January 5 | South Korea and US strongly condemn North Korea’s firing, warn of response |
The latest provocation from North Korea near the maritime border adds to ongoing tensions between the rival Koreas. As military activities pick up on both sides of the border to start 2023, the situation remains volatile with risks of further clashes or escalation.
All eyes will be on how South Korea responds to the firing near Yeonpyeong and whether North Korea continues its recent pattern of weapons tests and bellicose rhetoric amid stalled diplomacy. The Biden administration also faces renewed pressure over its North Korea policy. Unless dialogue resumes, the Korean Peninsula faces another year of elevated military tensions.
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