- Jane Mackenzie and Robert Plummer
- BBC
image copyright GettyImages
North Korean drones crossed the border before (file photo)
South Korean military officials announced that North Korea launched a number of drones across the common border between the two countries.
The country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the “drones” had violated South Korean airspace in the border areas of Gyeonggi Province.
A drone was also observed flying north of the capital, Seoul.
The South Korean military said it fired several warning shots before sending planes and helicopters to shoot it down.
He added that efforts to shoot down the drones have so far failed and are continuing.
This infiltration comes in light of the escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, after North Korea conducted a record number of missile tests.
Drones were observed crossing the border at around 10:30 local time (01:30 GMT).
A South Korean warplane participating in the operation, a Ka-1 light attack aircraft, also crashed later, escaping without damage.
The plane crashed to the ground in Hongseong Province, east of the capital, Seoul, shortly after taking off from an air base in the nearby city of Wonju, Yonhap news agency reported, citing air force sources.
image copyright KCNA/REUTERS
North Korea conducted a record number of missile tests
South Korea also suspended take-off and landing of aircraft at Incheon and Kimpo airports for about an hour.
A South Korean military official described the latest infiltration as a clear act of provocation by Pyongyang.
The army added: “Our army will continue to respond comprehensively and firmly to North Korea’s provocations.”
The last time a North Korean drone crossed the border was five years ago in June 2017, when inter-Korean tensions reached their peak.
North Korean drones pose a threat to the security of South Korea, given the possibility of using them for purposes of espionage on South Korea and launching an attack on it.
North Korea claimed, earlier this month, that it had conducted large tests necessary to help it develop its first spy satellite, which could be used to monitor South Korea, and it also published an aerial photo of the capital, Seoul, that it said was taken during the tests.
Experts believe that South Korea is working to refine and develop its weapons, while pressuring the United States to ease sanctions in any future negotiations.