North Korean troops have fired at a South Korean guard post as fears grow that Kim Jong-un will mark his reappearance with violence.
The South Koreans responded by shooting back twice.
The flashpoint yesterday is the first gunfire across the border since 2017.
Dictator Kim returned to public view on Saturday after an unexplained three-week absence.
It is predicted North Korea’s leader will order threats towards the West and executions in his homeland to show he is still in charge.
A security source told the Mirror: “His main fear comes from the North Korean elite but he’s also keen to placate the military and keep them on his side.
“It is highly likely his border guards were told to open fire as a sign they have his support.”
The source added more threats are expected. Choi Kang, of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, said about the gunfire: “Kim is trying to mute speculation that he may not have full control over the military.”
But US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the North Korean shots at its enemy were probably “accidental”.
No injuries were reported.
North Korean state footage released on Saturday showed Kim at the opening of a factory after weeks of rumours about his health
.
Mr Pompeo added: “It looks like Chairman Kim is alive and well.”
The footage showed Kim’s leg movements appearing stiff and jerky.
South Korean news outlet Yonhap said the 36-year-old tyrant had not undergone surgery, despite reports that he had.
