South Korea searched its coast for infiltrators from the North yesterday and agreed on joint operations with US forces to prevent similar incidents in the future.
After the body of a suspected North Korean spy was found on a beach on Sunday, commando units combed the north-eastern coast for more infiltrators. The body, in a wet suit and with an oxygen tank, was found on the beach in the east coast city of Donghae. A Diver's Propulsion Vehicle - a torpedo-like device with a propeller and a handle for divers to clutch - was found nearby.
The oxygen tank found beside the body had three hoses, indicating two infiltrators could be at large. Also found with the body were a Czech-made machine gun, a grenade, a knife, primitive transmission equipment and an underwater camera, the ministry said.
Senior South Korean and US military officers discussed the second North Korean incursion in two months yesterday.
"In all future operations against limited provocation, both sides will consult closely regarding timely and appropriate support by US forces," said a statement after the meeting between the South Korean chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Kim Jin-ho, and Gen John Tilelli, head of US and UN forces in Korea.
Asked if US ground troops would take part in any joint operation, Maj-Gen Raymond Ayres, who also represented the US military at the talks, said that was unlikely.
The statement also said the USled United Nations Command (UNC) would protest against the intrusion as a violation of the armistice at a meeting of military officials between North Korea and the UNC later this week.