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Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Seoul orders evacuation from border areas amid North’s ultimatum

Seoul stressed that it would continue its loudspeaker broadcasts despite Pyongyang’s calls

SEOUL, August 22. /TASS/. South Korea has ordered the evacuation of citizens in areas close to the Demilitarized Zone in anticipation of the North’s artillery strike, the Yonhap news agency reported on Saturday.

The evacuation to protective shelters will begin at 4 p.m. local time [0700GMT], an hour before Pyongyang’s ultimatum for Seoul will expire. Some 3,700 people are expected to be evacuated.

North Korea has demanded that South Korea dismantle its loudspeakers used for anti-Pyongyang propaganda by 5 p.m. local time [0800GMT] on Saturday. The North said its army would destroy the means of psychological warfare should the South fail to comply with the demands.

Seoul stressed that it would continue its loudspeaker broadcasts despite Pyongyang’s calls.

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Situation on the Korean Peninsula

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