South Korea goes on heightened alert against North Korea

South Korea goes on heightened alert against North Korea

Still, South Korea is maintaining its vigilance along land and maritime borders with North Korea, the official said on condition of anonymity, citing ministry policy. The step down in readiness occurred Monday.

South Korea had stepped up military readiness since early this month after the communist nation fired seven missiles, including one believed to be capable of reaching parts of the United States. The move led the U.N. Security Council to sanction the North and ban U.N. member countries from missile-related trade with Pyongyang, the AP rerports.