S. Korean, US troops on highest alert level since 2006

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South Korean and US troops are on their highest alert level since 2006, after the DPRK renounced its truce with the allied forces. The north has also threatened to strike any ships trying to intercept its vessels.

South Korean officials say combined South Korea-US forces command has raised its surveillance from level 3 to level 2.

A military spokesman said the last time the alert level was that high was three years ago when the DPRK conducted its first nuclear test.

Won Tae-Jae, Spokesman of South Korean Defense Ministry said "When the 'Watchcon' stage elevates, we strengthen our system by increasing the number of properties being monitored, amount of information gathered by air patrols, and the number of staff involved in analysis."

The spokesman said in the future, the military would carefully counter rhetorical threats, but would not tolerate provocative behavior.

South Korean news reports said Seoul has moved a 3,500-ton destroyer into waters near the disputed western maritime border. Smaller, high-speed vessels were keeping guard at the front line.

South Korean officials say so far, they see no peculiar movements in the DPRK.

Chun Hae-Sung, Spokesman of South Korean Unification Ministry said "This morning at 9:30 a.m., communication was made through standard procedures. DPRK ships are also operating in the South-North sea and land border area without peculiar movements."

The spokesman said currently, four DPRK ships are operating in the South's waters.