It was confirmed on Sunday that more than 20 North Korean soldiers had crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the central-western front area.
A military official reported on Thursday that around 20 North Korean troops had breached the MDL within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the western front on Sunday. South Korean forces responded with warning broadcasts and warning shots, prompting the North Korean soldiers to retreat northward.
The military official added that South Korean forces are maintaining close surveillance of North Korean troop movements and taking necessary measures in accordance with established operational procedures.
Intelligence suggests that the incursion was likely a temporary occurrence while North Korean troops were working in barren areas near the border.
Notably, about 90 minutes before this incident, a separate event took place along the central front, where a lone North Korean soldier crossed the MDL and expressed an intention to defect. Given the geographical distance, the two incidents are believed to be unrelated.