The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched a preliminary investigation into North Korea’s artillery attack on Yeonpyeong Island and the sinking of the “Cheonan” naval ship in March.

The court confirmed Tuesday that the office of its prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, opened a preliminary investigation after the office received communications alleging that North Korean forces committed war crimes in South Korean territory.

The probe will evaluate if the incidents constitute war crimes and will determine if the criteria are met for opening an investigation under the Rome Statute. Article 8 of the Rome Statute defines attacks intentionally directed against the civilian population as war crimes.

The International Criminal Court tracks down and penalizes individuals who are found to have committed such war crimes. The court has no statute of limitations for war criminals.

However, it remains to be determined how fast the probe will progress given that North Korea does not recognize the existence of the criminal court.