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South Korea: North Korea Fired Artillery Near Border

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A North Korean long-range rocket is launched into the air at the Sohae rocket launch site, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo, Feb. 7, 2016.
A North Korean long-range rocket is launched into the air at the Sohae rocket launch site, North Korea, in this photo released by Kyodo, Feb. 7, 2016.

South Korea says North Korea has fired several artillery rounds near a frontline island Saturday.

A South Korean Defense Ministry statement said the North Korean army "fired a few artillery rounds" on Jangsangot promontory near the disputed sea border between the two Koreas.

The ministry said it believed the move was part of a North Korean "military drill."

As a precaution, however, the South has warned residents on Baengnyeongdo island to be prepared to evacuate into shelters. The government has also urged fishing boats to return to their ports.

The episode happened amid increased tensions between the two Koreas following Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests.

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