SEOUL, South Korea: South Korea’s military has declared that it is “fully ready” to respond to rising tensions following North Korea’s accusations regarding drone flights allegedly conducted by the South. North Korea has claimed that these drones, which it alleges were used to drop propaganda leaflets over its capital, Pyongyang, constitute a significant provocation, warning that any further drone incursions would be interpreted as a “declaration of war.”
In response to these allegations, South Korea’s military initially denied involvement, speculating instead that the drones could be the work of activist groups based in the South. These groups have a history of sending propaganda materials, often via balloons, into North Korea. Nevertheless, North Korea remains adamant that South Korea is responsible, ordering eight artillery brigades on the border to prepare for potential combat and bolstering air observation posts in the capital.
The situation escalated further when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, condemned the drone flights as an “unpardonable, malicious challenge” to their state sovereignty. In an official statement, she threatened dire consequences unless the drone flights cease. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) dismissed the North’s claims as “shameless,” highlighting that North Korea has also launched drones into South Korean airspace multiple times without acknowledgment.
Amid these provocations, North Korea appears poised to carry out explosive demolitions along roads connected to the South, indicating an intent to seal the border completely. South Korea’s military officials have suggested that such demolitions could occur imminently. Analysts have proposed that North Korea’s claims of drone incursions may be an attempt to solidify internal support and distract from its vulnerabilities.
