Defense Minister Han Min-koo vowed Monday to sternly retaliate against any provocations from North Korea as South Korea commemorates a deadly inter-Korean naval clash that took place more than a decade ago.
Triggered by a North Korean patrol boat crossing the de facto sea border, the Northern Limit Line, in the Yellow Sea, the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong killed six South Korean Navy officers on June 29, 2002, wounding 18 others.
With 13 North Koreans killed in the skirmish, it is remembered as one of a few deadly inter-Korean military clashes after the 1950-53 Korean War.
"Recently, the level of tensions in the Yellow Sea's NLL is escalating due to North Korea's threats," Han said in a ceremony marking the 13th anniversary of the incident.
"If North Korea launches a reckless provocation again, our military will sternly retaliate on the origin of the provocation as well as supporting and commanding forces," Han said, adding that North Korea will be obliged to "feel bitterly the cost of provocations."
South Korea will make it clear that North Korea's provocations and threats will bring it nowhere, he added.
The defense minister lauded the six dead sailors' commitment to protect the country, saying, "The government will make utmost efforts to share your suffering and to uphold the sublime spirit of war veterans."
"The Second Battle of Yeonpyeong was a victorious naval battle that our servicemen successfully fought," Han said. (Yonhap)
