South Korea elevates its alert status

North Korea continued to increase tensions on 27 May 2009 after launching another short-range missile overnight. According to local media in South Korea, the North launched the ground-to-ship missile from the east coast of the country at approximately 2100 local time. Some officials believe that the North is attempting to prevent other governments from verifying the nuclear test that took place on 25 May. In addition, North Korea warned South Korea of the possibility of a military attack after Seoul stated that it was joining the U.S.-led Proliferation Security Initiative on 26 May, which Pyongyang views as a declaration of war. North Korea warned on 28 May that it could potentially intercept foreign warships if they attempted to stop, board or inspect its ships in the adjacent waters. Pyongyang also stated that it will no longer be bound by the 1953 armistice accord. In response to the increasing tensions, South Korea elevated its alert status on 28 May. The alert level for U.S. troops stationed in South Korea was also increased.