South Koreans evacuated, troops on high alert after North Korean rocket attack

Special to WorldTribune.com

South Korean artillery on Aug. 20 launched “dozens of rounds of 155mm shells” at the launch site of a North Korean rocket.

The North Korean rocket was reportedly aimed at a front-line military unit in Yeoncheon, 35 miles northwest of Seoul. The rocket caused no damage or casualties, but the South responded immediately with artillery fire at the estimated launch site, Seoul’s defense ministry said in a statement.

Pyongyang ramped up its threats after South Korea announced it would resume propaganda broadcasts into the North over loudspeakers. The North also warned of “indiscriminate strikes” against the South and said it would turn the country into “a sea of fire” if activists do not stop sending propaganda leaflets over the border by balloon.

Evacuated South Korean residents gather at a shelter in Yeoncheon. / AP

South Korean troops were placed on the highest level of alert after the exchange on Aug. 20, while more than 100 civilians in the Yeoncheon area were evacuated from their homes.

North Korea said on Aug. 20 that it was giving the South 48 hours to halt the propaganda broadcasts or it would initiate “military action.”

South Korean intelligence reported that it has detected signs that the North is preparing to carry out the launch of short-range missiles from batteries on both the east and west coasts of North Korea.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Aug. 20 called on the military to be ready for further provocations from the North. She also said troops have been told to strike back “sternly” if they are provoked.

“We need to maintain a strong military readiness to protect our people’s lives and their properties from North Korea’s provocations,” Park told a cabinet meeting.

The South’s Aug. 20 response to the North’s rocket fire is the first time in nearly five years that Seoul has fired artillery rounds into the North.

In November 2010, North Korea shelled Yeonpyeong island off the west coast of the peninsula, close to the disputed sea border, killing two South Korean soldiers. The South responded by shelling the North’s coastal gun emplacements.

155mm artillery rounds, Park Geun-Hye, South Koreans evacuated, troops on high alert after North Korean rocket attack, WorldTribune.com, Yeoncheon

South Koreans evacuated, troops on high alert after North Korean rocket attack added by World Tribune on August 20, 2015
View all posts by World Tribune →