South Korean soldiers inspect loudspeaker equipment at an unspecified location near the inter-Korean border, June 9, 2024. (South Korean army)

South Korea’s military on Monday began removing propaganda loudspeakers along the Demilitarized Zone in a bid to ease tensions with the North, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

The decision is a “practical measure” to reduce hostilities between the two Koreas and will not compromise the South’s military readiness, the ministry said in a text message to reporters Monday. No additional details were provided.

South Korea had silenced its loudspeakers along the 160-mile border on June 11. Later that day, the North also ceased broadcasting from loudspeakers on its side of the DMZ.

This story will be updated.