N.Korea says it may open fire near disputed sea border

SEOUL: North Korea Monday warned South Korean warships to steer clear of the disputed Yellow Sea border, saying its coastal artillery would target the area as part of firing exercises.

The North's navy command, in a statement carried by official media, said the move came in response to provocations from the South.

Tensions have remained high since a Yellow Sea naval clash on November 10 left a North Korean patrol boat in flames.

"In response to the South's reckless military provocations, our navy has declared waters near our maritime border in the Yellow Sea as the firing range of artillery units along our coasts and on our islands at normal times," the statement said.