Key facts
- North Korea accused South Korea of fabricating a landmine incident in a letter to the UN Security Council.
- Three North Korean 122-mm howitzers were deployed near the border, pointed towards South Korea.
- North Korean soldiers were observed conducting fencing work inside the demilitarised zone (DMZ).
Tensions between North Korea and South Korea are high following Pyongyang's letter to the UN Security Council, in which it accused Seoul of fabricating a landmine incident. The letter, sent on Sunday, was a response to a South Korean letter last week that stated North Korean troops planted a mine in the DMZ on September 21, violating the Korean War Armistice Agreement. North Korea denied responsibility and warned that violations of its sovereignty could trigger self-defense measures. On Monday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported the sighting of three North Korean 122-mm howitzers near the border, a rare public display of artillery with gun barrels pointed south. A Reuters witness also observed approximately 20 to 30 North Korean soldiers conducting fencing work inside the demilitarised zone (DMZ). A spokesperson for South Korea's unification ministry said the North Korean letter reiterates its existing stance and aims to justify its border construction activities.