South Korea troops on high alert after navy battle

South Korea’s troops went on high alert today for possible retaliation by North Korea after one of its navy ships was nearly destroyed and an officer reportedly killed in a skirmish with the South, ahead of a visit by US President Barack Obama.

The clash yesterday along the disputed western sea border was the first such engagement in seven years, sending tensions soaring about a week before President Obama travels to Seoul as part of his Asian tour.