North Korea destroys key roads connecting to South signalling rising tensions
- In Reports
- 01:41 PM, Oct 15, 2024
- Myind Staff
On Tuesday, North Korea destroyed sections of major roads connecting it to South Korea, signalling an escalation in hostility. This action comes just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to permanently seal the border with the South. Kim has declared the South as the North's "principal enemy" and has increased military measures, including laying new mines and erecting barriers along the already fortified border.
The South Korean military reported that parts of the Gyeongui and Donghae roads were blown up, which were previously used for inter-Korean transportation. Experts believe this demolition reinforces Kim's stance against negotiations with the South.
Following accusations from North Korea that South Korea used drones to drop anti-regime leaflets in Pyongyang, Kim convened a security meeting to discuss "immediate military action" in response. The North has warned that if another drone is detected, it would consider it a "declaration of war."
South Korean officials initially denied the drone allegations but later remained silent as tensions escalated. Activist groups in the South have historically sent propaganda into North Korea using balloons and small, hard-to-detect drones made from materials that can evade radar.
During Kim's meeting on Monday, officials discussed the "serious provocation" from the South, with Kim taking a strong military stance. In 2022, North Korean drones entered South Korean airspace, prompting a response from the South Korean military, which included warning shots and the deployment of fighter jets.
Relations between North and South Korea are currently at a low point, with North Korea announcing plans to completely cut off roads and railways to the South and build strong defensive structures. Analysts are closely watching for potential retaliatory actions from North Korea, especially if further drone incursions occur.
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