The United Nations Command (UNC) confirmed on the 24th that more than 30 North Korean soldiers, who were conducting construction and maintenance work in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the 19th, crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL).
The UNC noted regarding the North's announcement the previous day that the South Korean military fired warning shots at North Korean forces working near the MDL, stating, "We are aware of both the North's announcement and the incident that occurred in the DMZ." It added, "Immediately after the incident, the Military Armistice Commission began an investigation according to standard procedures."
According to the UNC, the North Korean soldiers crossed into the southern side while working near the MDL, and although the South Korean military issued several warning broadcasts, the North Korean soldiers did not respond. The South Korean military subsequently carried out warning shots, and the North Korean soldiers returned north.
Earlier, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the North Korean military, General Ko Jong-cheol, stated via the Korean Central News Agency that "the South Korean military has fired around 10 warning shots with a 12.7mm machine gun" in a statement titled "Immediately cease dangerous provocative actions that cause military clashes in the southern border area."
In response, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff explained, "At around 3 p.m. on the 19th, North Korean forces invaded the MDL in the central front and warning shots were taken, while the North Korean forces moved northward."
The UNC mentioned that North Korea had informed them in advance of their activities in the DMZ, stating, "We recognize the value of prior notifications and dialogue to reduce the risks of misunderstandings and accidental incidents." It emphasized, "We are prepared to engage in dialogue with the North regarding this issue and other potential issues."