... While South Korea's president says 'enormous retaliation' is needed, following Pyongyang's first direct artillery attack on the South since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953
Listen to this article
N Korea threatens 'merciless' strikes
x
00:00
... While South Korea's president says 'enormous retaliation' is needed, following Pyongyang's first direct artillery attack on the South since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953
Tensions between the two countries were said to be at their 'worst levels in decades' following the death of two South Korean marines killed yesterday in one of the heaviest attacks on its neighbour since the Korean War ended in 1953.
The artillery barrage the South fired back and scrambled a fighter jet to the area was close to a disputed maritime border on the west of the divided peninsula and the scene of deadly clashes in the past.
At least 200 shells pounded a military base on Yeonpyeong island, near a disputed maritime border, killing the marines and injuring 17 of their colleagues.
Six civilians were also wounded and TV pictures showed blazing buildings, fleeing civilians and columns of smoke rising over the island.
South Korea said it responded by firing self-propelled howitzers but declined to say whether North Korean territory was hit.
It described the attack on civilians on Yeonpyeong, as "inhumane atrocities".
The two sides technically remain at war because a peace treaty was never negotiated and Seoul said the attack violated the 1953 armistice halting the Korean War.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
