North Korea stated on Saturday that South Korean forces fired warning shots in the border area earlier this week, calling the move a deliberate provocation, according to state media KCNA.

The North also reported an increase in warning broadcasts from the South and warned it will take “corresponding countermeasures” against any interference with its barrier-building along the heavily fortified border.

Since last year, Pyongyang has destroyed inter-Korean roads and railways while constructing additional fortifications. Army Lieutenant General Ko Jong Chol, vice chief of the General Staff, declared that North Korea “will take no responsibility for the grave consequences” if future warnings are ignored.

The statements contrast with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s recent announcement to scale back some military activities along the border, part of ongoing efforts to improve relations.

North Korea also criticised joint U.S.-South Korea military drills as “extremely provocative” despite Seoul and Washington emphasizing their defencive nature.

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