Martial law forces enter National Assembly building

By Park Sae-jin Posted : December 4, 2024, 01:25 Updated : December 4, 2024, 01:26
Martial law forces enter the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, around midnight on Dec. 4. Yonhap
SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - Martial law forces breached the National Assembly building late Wednesday night, just hours after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing threats to national security.

Soldiers equipped with battle dress uniforms (BDUs), night vision goggles, and special warfare gear arrived at the National Assembly via military helicopters around 11:00 p.m. on Dec. 3. Dozens of troops moved toward the main building, where they clashed with citizens and National Assembly officials.

At the building’s entrance, soldiers faced strong resistance from those inside. When their initial attempts to enter were blocked, they smashed windows to gain access. Inside, they encountered another wave of resistance as citizens and parliamentary staff had barricaded doors with desks, chairs, and ropes. Some used fire extinguishers in an effort to impede the soldiers’ advance.

The confrontation intensified until the National Assembly passed a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law. Shortly after, at approximately 1:11 a.m., soldiers carrying riot shields and rifles withdrew from the main building.
 
Martial law forces enter the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, around midnight on Dec. 4. Yonhap ​​​​​​​

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