South Korea’s Military Chief Orders Firm Response After North Korean Border Threats

South Korea’s top military officer ordered commanders to respond firmly if North Korea uses Seoul’s border measures as a pretext for further provocations. Pyongyang has threatened to strengthen its military presence near the border and resume loudspeaker broadcasts. Seoul says its warning shots and broadcasts are defensive measures to prevent North Korean troops from crossing the Military Demarcation Line. The tensions follow a landmine explosion inside the Demilitarized Zone that injured three South Korean soldiers. North Korea denies responsibility for the blast.