(dpa) - North Korean air force fighter jets flew near South Korean air space at least 10 times in recent weeks, prompting Seoul to scramble planes in response, local news reports said Monday.
Since the new government took power at the end of February, North Korean jets have flown close to the inter-Korean border at least 10 times, reported Chosun Ilbo newspaper, citing military sources.
The Ministry of Defence in Seoul is intentionally creating tensions in the sea, skies and on the ground, reported the newspaper.
"It is very unusual for North Korean jet fighters to fly southward so intensively in such a short period of time as one month," wrote Chosun Ilbo.
There has been no official confirmation of the report.
North Korea has heightened tensions with Seoul, threatening on Sunday to turn South Korea "into ashes" if there is preemptive attack.
Pyongyang was responding to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Tae Young remarks to parliament Wednesday that Seoul would strike North Korean nuclear sites should they attack with nuclear weapons.
North Korea claims the remarks amount to plans for a preemptive strike, which Seoul strongly denies.
Also last week North Korea expelled South Korean officials from a joint industrial complex, test-fired missiles, accused Seoul of breaching a disputed sea border and threatened to suspend all talks.
President Lee has vowed to take a tougher stance on North Korea and Pyongyang is not pleased with his decision to link long-term economic aid to progress in nuclear disarmament.