10:24 am today

Live: South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law

10:24 am today

Martial law has been declared in South Korea in a shock move by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

It follows a major political battle with the opposition-controlled legislature.

Troops made a brief attempt to enter parliament as lawmakers and protesters quickly voiced opposition to the move.

In a surprise late-night TV address, Yoon said opposition parties had taken the parliamentary process hostage.

He vowed to eradicate "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces" and said he had no choice but to take the measure to safeguard constitutional order. He has since said he would lift the martial law order.

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