American artillery engaging targets in live-fire drills (Department of Defense/Wikimedia commons)

Many of the North’s shells landed in the disputed sea area on the western side of the Korean Peninsula, harmlessly falling into the water. The South, however, was taking no chances and returned heavy fire, in addition to scrambling aircraft to the very edge of the DMZ.

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North Korea’s actions appear to be part of its annual protest against joint South Korea-U.S. drills that take place in the region, drills that the North calls a rehearsal for invasion. 

No one was hurt in the exchange, and though tensions remain high, the chance of further direct confrontation is low. 

Read the full story on the BBC.

Reach Executive Producer Christopher Coppock by email.