North Korean soldiers on Thursday crossed the border and defected to South Korea, according to a press release from the South Korean joint chiefs of staff.

The South Korean military says the soldier crossed the East-Central part of the military demarcation line inside the demilitarized zone separating the two countries at 10 a.m. local time.

It is not clear how and why he deserted, but the South Korean military said that this fact will be investigated.

Desertion of a soldier seems to escape the senior diplomat, who left his post at the country's Embassy in the United Kingdom in August. Treason occurs against the background of a particularly busy time between the North and the South.

North Korea shows its military might in 2016, more often and at a more rapid pace than usual.

This month, North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test in history - and second this year - that drew widespread condemnation from much of the international community.
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents