South Korea scrambles for jets after detecting North Korean military flights near border amid tensions

South Korea’s military said it took control of the fighter jets after detecting about 180 North Korean military flights north of the two countries’ border for more than four hours on Friday.

The North Korean aircraft flew north of the so-called tactical action line, north of the Military Demarcation Line between the two Koreas, the South Korean military said in a statement. The virtual line is used as the basis for South Korea’s air defense operations, a South Korean official said.

South Korea hit 80 aircraft, including the F-35A stealth fighter, in response. About 240 aircraft participating in the US-U.S. exercise Storm Watch have resumed the exercise, the military said.

A flight of 10 North Korean fighter jets carried out similar maneuvers last month, prompting South Korea to scramble for jets.

The drills come after North Korea fired more than 80 shells into the sea overnight and launched several missiles into the sea on Thursday, including a failed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The launches prompted the US and South Korea to extend their air drills, angering Pyongyang.