DPRK issues no-sail warning

ROK plays down chance of missile launch amid heightened tensions

SEOUL - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has issued a no-sail warning off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula in what the Republic of Korea (ROK) officials said on Friday was likely part of routine military drills, amid heightened antagonism between the rivals.

Tensions between the two have grown since the ROK blamed the DPRK for torpedoing one of its navy ships in March killing 46 sailors. The DPRK denies involvement in the sinking, saying the accusation is a fabricated political ploy.