Recent reports suggest that North Korea is stepping up its defensive measures along the border with South Korea. According to Daily NK, a South Korean news outlet, the North has instructed its frontline troops to increase their mine-laying activities while strengthening overall defenses.
This move comes during a time of heightened tensions between the two Koreas. Last week, South Korea stated that North Korea plans to send 12,000 troops to support Russia in its war with Ukraine, with around 1,500 believed to be stationed in Russia’s Far East. North Korea has denied these allegations.
According to an unnamed source in North Korea’s eastern border region of Gangwon, the nation’s defense ministry has given orders to two key units of the Korean People’s Army, positioning them for potential conflict with the South. The directive, issued on Friday, emphasized the importance of defending the southern border and called for a “legacy of countless victories.” This order followed a constitutional amendment by North Korea’s parliament that labeled South Korea as a “hostile state,” a move previously hinted at by Kim Jong Un.
Korean Central News Agency
Additionally, North Korean forces have reportedly been dismantling sections of rail infrastructure on both eastern and western borders, further deepening the divide between the two nations. North Korea plans to replace these structures with defensive fortifications, as outlined in the latest military orders.
The orders also include deploying mines randomly along the border, part of a broader strategy to fortify defenses in anticipation of military drills scheduled for December 1. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that these actions are crucial for maximizing defense capabilities against perceived threats.
Amid these developments, North Korea has dismissed claims regarding its troops in Russia as “groundless.” Russia’s stance has been somewhat ambiguous, asserting that its relationship with North Korea is legitimate under international law and does not jeopardize South Korean security interests.
The U.S. has expressed concerns over the potential deployment of North Korean troops in Russia, labeling it a serious situation, although no official confirmation has been made.
In response to the escalating tensions, South Korea is reportedly considering a significant shift in its foreign policy. A senior official mentioned that providing Ukraine with “weapons for defense and attack” remains an option—moving away from their current approach of indirect support through allies like the U.S.