SEOUL: North Korea has heightened military tensions by ordering its artillery units stationed along the border with South Korea to prepare for potential engagement, following accusations of South Korean drones infiltrating its airspace. This development comes amid North Korea’s claims of multiple drone sightings over Pyongyang, which it views as provocations and potential acts of war.
According to Yonhap News Agency, state media, North Korea’s military directive was issued in response to what it alleges were three separate instances this month of South Korean drones entering its airspace, carrying anti-North Korea propaganda. The Korean People’s Army issued a preliminary operation order on October 12 to its combined artillery units positioned along the border. These units, described as having critical firepower responsibilities, have been instructed to fully arm themselves and stand by for potential action. Additionally, anti-air observation posts in Pyongyang have been reinforced to enhance surveillance and
readiness.
The situation escalated following a statement from Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who articulated a severe warning against South Korea, suggesting a “horrible disaster” could ensue if such drone activities persist. In a subsequent announcement, North Korea’s defense ministry reiterated its stance, stating any further drone detections would be considered a declaration of war.
Reacting to these developments, South Korea’s defense ministry issued a stern warning of its own, asserting that any aggressive actions from the North could lead to the collapse of its regime. Meanwhile, the South Korean unification ministry speculated that North Korea’s sudden claims about drone infiltrations might be aimed at bolstering internal solidarity and creating external tensions.
The exchange of threats between the two Koreas marks a significant deterioration in relations following a period of relative quiet. The North’s recent actions, including severing all road and rail links with South
Korea and fortifying its front-line defenses, underscore the fragile state of affairs on the peninsula.