PYONGYANG: North Korea’s military has escalated tensions by directing its artillery units along the South Korean border to fully prepare for action. This move follows claims by North Korea of South Korean drones violating its airspace, intensifying the standoff between the two nations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency, the directive was issued on Sunday after North Korea accused South Korea of sending unmanned drones carrying anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang three times this month. The Korean People’s Army has placed eight artillery brigades in a wartime readiness mode and has enhanced anti-air observation capabilities in the capital.
“We warn repeatedly that we will take action According to Yonhap News Agency, our judgment, regarding any drones to be spotted again as the ones from the ROK and deeming it a declaration of war,” stated a spokesperson from North Korea’s defense ministry. The statement emphasized the regime’s perception of these drone flights as
aggressive and provocative acts by South Korea.
This military readiness follows vocal threats from Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who on Saturday warned of a “horrible disaster” if South Korea continues its alleged drone activities. She reiterated her stance in another statement on Sunday, urging South Korea’s military to take immediate steps to stop these incursions.
In a sharp response, South Korea’s defense ministry on Sunday warned that any aggressive actions by North Korea would lead to severe consequences. “The end of its regime,” was the stark warning given, pointing to a potential severe escalation in military conflict should harm come to South Korean nationals.