North Korea announced on Sunday that its front-line military units are primed and ready for potential strikes against South Korea. This escalation comes after allegations that South Korea has been deploying drones and distributing propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang.
While South Korea has not confirmed these drone operations, it has issued strong warnings that it will respond harshly if its citizens’ safety is jeopardized.
On Friday, North Korea accused its southern neighbor of conducting drone missions three times this month to release leaflets over its capital, vowing to retaliate with force if such actions recur.
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The statement from North Korea’s Defense Ministry, relayed through state media on Sunday, revealed that a preliminary operation order has been issued to artillery and other army units stationed near the border with South Korea, emphasizing readiness to “open fire.”
An unnamed spokesperson indicated that North Korea’s military is preparing for immediate strikes on unspecified targets should South Korea again send drones across the border, which could lead to renewed hostilities on the peninsula.
The spokesperson expressed that “serious military tensions are escalating due to the South’s drone activities,” adding a stark warning that South Korean territory could be reduced to “piles of ashes” in a powerful reprisal.
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Such aggressive rhetoric is typical during times of heightened tension between North and South Korea, particularly as relations have soured since U.S.-led negotiations to denuclearize North Korea stalled in 2019.
Since then, North Korea has been focused on expanding its nuclear capabilities and has frequently threatened both South Korea and the U.S. with nuclear attacks. However, experts believe a large-scale attack remains unlikely due to the strength of the combined U.S. and South Korean military forces.
In related news, South Korea reported on Monday that there are signs North Korea is preparing to demolish sections of inter-Korean roads that are no longer used, reflecting Kim Jong Un’s intent to sever ties with the South. Reports indicate that demolition preparations, including the installation of protective screens along these roads, are underway.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their peak in years, with North Korea continuing missile tests while South Korea and the U.S. expand joint military exercises. Analysts predict that North Korea may conduct significant weapons tests ahead of next month’s U.S. presidential election to enhance its diplomatic leverage.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press