Seoul: The US-led United Nations Command (UNC) has reiterated its authority over the demarcation line separating North and South Korea, countering a recent change by South Korea's military aimed at preventing accidental clashes along the border.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UNC emphasized its commitment to the 1953 Armistice Agreement, which includes the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), and underscored its role in supporting measures that prevent escalation and maintain stability within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The command highlighted that the MDL was formally established during the armistice negotiations and is explicitly documented in the agreement signed on July 27, 1953. The UNC has stated that since 1953, it has played a crucial role in administering the DMZ, a responsibility that has been vital in maintaining stability during periods of heightened inter-Korean tensions.

This statement follows reports of a revision by South Korea's military to address inconsistencies with existing MDL markers. The South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff recently directed troops to prioritize UNC-installed MDL markers and to utilize South Korean military maps when markers are unclear.

The UNC also stressed that any military dialogues concerning the MDL should occur under its auspices, as required by the armistice, following South Korea's proposal for talks with Pyongyang in response to increased North Korean border crossings.

The UNC's statement also came after its objection to a Seoul-backed bill seeking control over non-military access to the DMZ, reaffirming its long-standing administration of the zone to ensure stability during times of elevated inter-Korean tension.