Kim Jong Un declares 'semi-state of war' after exchange of fire

Seoul and Pyongyang exchanged fire and South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo said late Friday that North Korea’s artillery fire was a violation of the 1953 Armistice.
SEOUL, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared a "semi-state of war" after an exchange of fire between North and South pushed both sides into a state of high alert on Friday.



Kim had convened an emergency meeting at 5 p.m. Pyongyang time to discuss actions to be taken in response to South Korea's refusal to dismantle propaganda loudspeakers, the BBC reported. Pyongyang has warned the South it would take new military action if Seoul does not put an end to its anti-North Korea broadcasts.