"What is happening triggers concern," the source said. "Indeed, there is a tendency toward escalation of tension."

MOSCOW, August 20. /TASS/. Moscow has voiced concern over new escalation of tension between Seoul and Pyongyang, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry told TASS on Thursday.

"Such incidents as a South Korean patrol blown up by a land mine in the border area and a shootout cannot but cause concern," the diplomat noted. "We hope that none of the sides will cross the "dangerous line."

The North Korean army has shelled on Thursday the positions of the South Korean military in the western part of the Demilitarized Zone where loudspeakers used by Seoul in its propaganda campaign against Pyongyang are located. The incident occurred at about 16:00 hours local time (10:00 Moscow Time). The South Korean military opened reprisal fire on the alleged source of the artillery bombardments. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense has confirmed the information about the incident.