VOA News
October 20, 2014 2:18 AM


FILE - South Korean soldiers take part in an anti-terror drill in Seoul, Aug. 18, 2014.

South Korea has warned North Korea to stop provoking border skirmishes.

South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said Monday that South Korea has warned Pyongyang to immediately stop the "reckless military provocation."

"Our military is paying close attention to the North Korean military's activities at all front lines. We are also thoroughly preparing for additional provocations from the North's military. We sternly warn North Korea to immediately stop reckless military provocation, which increases tension, and activities violating the armistice agreement," said Kim.

The recent border incidents could jeopardize planned high-level talks between the two Koreas. The decision to hold the discussions was reached during a surprise visit to the South by a top-ranking North delegation earlier this month.

South Korean officials say border guards from the two Koreas exchanged gunfire Sunday. No casualties were reported.

Earlier this month, troops from both sides exchanged fire after South Korean activists released balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang propaganda across the border.