SEOUL: North Korea announced on Sunday that it has directed its artillery units stationed near the South Korean border to be fully prepared to engage in shooting, escalating tensions following accusations of South Korean drone incursions over Pyongyang. The directive follows threats of severe retaliation by North Korean officials who have warned of a “horrible disaster” if such incidents continue.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea’s recent declaration came after three alleged instances this month where South Korean unmanned drones were reported to have flown over the North Korean capital. Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued a stark warning in a state media release, stating that North Korea is poised to take “strong corresponding retaliatory action” should further drone incursions occur, particularly those carrying anti-Pyongyang materials.
In her statement, Kim Yo-jong emphasized that the timing of these potential attacks could be unpredictable, stressin
g that they could happen “at any time.” This rhetoric marks a significant intensification in the verbal exchanges between the two Koreas.
Reacting to these developments, South Korea’s Defense Ministry strongly countered the North’s allegations, asserting that any aggressive actions from the North targeting South Koreans would lead to severe consequences for the Kim regime. Despite initial denials from South Korea’s Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun about the involvement of South Korean military drones, the Joint Chiefs of Staff later expressed uncertainty, stating they could not confirm the veracity of North Korea’s claims.
The situation remains tense as both nations hold their ground, with North Korea’s recent mobilization of its artillery forces adding a dangerous new dimension to the ongoing standoff.