South Korea: Authorities order evacuations in Yeonpyeong Island afternoon Jan. 5 due to military drills

The evacuation order comes amid heightened tensions along the Korean peninsula. These tensions have risen in recent weeks following North Korea's ballistic missile tests Dec. 17-18, after the US deployment of a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea Dec. 17. Additionally, the US and South Korea are also conducting joint firing drills in Pocheon, near the border with North Korea, since Dec. 29. Yeonpyeong Island, located in the Yellow Sea near the contested maritime boundary demarcating North and South Korea, continues to be a focal point. In 2010, a North Korean artillery strike on the island resulted in the death of four civilians.

Despite attempts at jumpstarting diplomacy, the geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula remain largely unaltered, as North Korea has previously stated that it will only give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for concrete moves to reduce perceived US threats against it. North Korean leaders have previously warned of stronger actions in response to US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.