NK update

N. Korea readying military for 'surprise operations' with South: KCNA North Korea raised the stakes Friday by warning of "surprise operations" along its frontline if South Korea does not stop psychological warfare broadcasts by 5 p.m. on Friday. The very public nature of the ultimatum, which includes precise instructions for South Korea to dial down the tension, now puts Seoul in a difficult spot, one observer said. “We don’t have the minutes from last night’s CMC meeting, but the question is: Did they discuss and plan and point whereby the KPA would back down? Or do they plan to carry out the threat of punishment?" Visit NK News for more S. Korean response didn't damage N. Korea military: KCTV broadcast South Korean forces did not damage North Korean military assets when they returned fire on Thursday, Pyongyang's main TV station said during a Friday "Korean People's Army (KPA) Supreme Command Emergency Report" broadcast. Describing the South Korean response as being "without probable cause," the outlet added that Seoul "still has no idea" what type of ammunition the North fired, "yet proceeded to shoot artillery rounds at us." Visit NK News for more Analysis: Exchange of fire shows neither Korea wants war, By John G. Grisafi Though the North may occasionally engage in military provocation and the South is willing to respond in kind, neither side wants an open conflict. The fact that this incident initially resulted in only controlled return fire by the South and no further military action by either side demonstrates the ability and desire of both sides to limit escalation. Avoiding escalation of an incident into open conflict requires strict discipline, strong command and control, and clear rules of engagement in the military forces on both sides. Visit NK News for more

Top Stories Today

S. Korean bizmen at joint industrial park safely return home despite tension (Yonhap News)
South Korean businessmen running factories at an inter-Korean industrial park returned home without a hiccup on Thursday despite tension sparked by North Korea's shell firing near the border.

S. Korea steps up beatification process for Pyongyang bishop (The Korea Herald)
The local Catholic Church has kicked into high gear the beatification process for Korean martyrs who were killed or who disappeared after being persecuted by the North Korean regime.

U.S., Russia urge N. Korea to refrain from provocations (Arirang News)
The international community has expressed concern over the spike in tension on the Korean peninsula and urged North Korea to refrain from actions that threaten peace and security in the region.

South Korean markets fall on global economy fears, clash with North (Reuters)
South Korea's won, shares and bond futures all fell early on Friday as heightened tensions with North Korea after an  exchange of shelling added volatility to markets.

Man nabbed for spreading prank conscription messages (Yonhap News)
A 23-year-old man has been arrested on charges of distributing prank text messages announcing conscription in case of an emergency.