North Korea has threatened its southern neighbor after naval clashes between the two Koreas intensified tension in the region, according to North Korean media outlets. South Korea would face costly consequences if it continues its aggressive posture, the North's government-run Minju Joson newspaper said Thursday.
The navies of the two sides clashed off the countries' west coast Tuesday for the first time in seven years, leaving a North Korean naval boat severely damaged.
Following the incident, the two Koreas accused each other of violating the controversial maritime border.
South Korea has put its forces on alert but says it does not want the clash to damage relations.
However, the South has sent one of its newer destroyers equipped with torpedoes and guided missiles closer to the border in addition to two extra patrol boats.
In another article in the North's official Rodong Sinmun daily, Pyongyang said the South will pay an expensive price for Tuesday's clash.
"Warmongers who like to play with fire will be certain to pay an expensive price," the paper said in an editorial.
"The armed clash on the West (Yellow) Sea was not an accident but was a premeditated act of aggression by the South's military seeking intensifying of tensions on the Korean peninsula."