The United States is in contact with the government of South Korea and is closely monitoring the situation, a White House spokesman said, according to Reuters.

Recall that in October, Washington and Seoul agreed on a new five-year plan to share the cost of keeping U.S. troops in South Korea. Donald Trump had accused South Korea during his presidency of “taking advantage for free” of US military power and demanded that it pay up to $5 billion a year for the deployment of US forces.

Notably, following the South Korean president’s decision to declare martial law, the military announced that the operation of parliament and the activities of political parties are suspended, Yonhap reported. Protests and rallies are also banned.

According to the agency, all media outlets and publications are under the control of the military. Under the decree, all actions deemed to be attempts to overthrow the liberal democratic system are banned, as well as the broadcasting of “false news” and propaganda.

Also, all medical staff on strike, including doctors in training, were ordered to return to work within 48 hours. Strikes, work stoppages, and rallies that spark “social chaos” are also banned.

According to the decree, those who violate martial law can be arrested and detained without a warrant. Yonhap reported that the parliament was sealed off and military helicopters landed on its roof.