South Korean troops fired warning shots last week after several North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the eastern front-line area.

Axar.az reports, citing Yonhap News Agency, that the North Korean soldiers, who were conducting a patrol, returned to their side of the border after the warning shots.

No other unusual activity was reported.

The incident marked the first time this year that the South Korean military has fired warning shots in response to a North Korean troop crossing of the MDL.

Under South Korea’s rules of engagement, troops first issue warning broadcasts when North Korean soldiers approach the MDL and fire warning shots if they cross the boundary.

North Korean troops violated the MDL 17 times last year as Pyongyang continued strengthening its side of the border.