South Korea’s military announced on Monday that it is fully prepared to respond to any provocation from North Korea after Pyongyang ordered its troops to prepare to fire at the border. This is part of an escalating dispute over alleged drone flights over North Korea’s capital.

North Korea accused Seoul of sending drones to drop leaflets filled with “inflammatory rumours and rubbish” in Pyongyang. On Sunday, North Korea warned that if another drone is detected, it will treat it as a "declaration of war."

South Korea's military has denied being involved in the flights. Many believe that activist groups in the South, known for sending balloons with propaganda and US dollars into North Korea, may be responsible. However, North Korea continues to blame Seoul. In response, Pyongyang said it had ordered eight artillery brigades to "be ready to fire" and strengthened air surveillance in its capital.

"We are closely watching the situation and are fully ready for North Korea’s provocations," said Lee Seong-joon, a spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

North Korea claimed that drones have breached Pyongyang’s airspace three times in recent days. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned that the drone flights were an "unforgivable challenge" and threatened disaster if they continued. She has repeatedly called on South Korea’s military to stop the alleged violations of their airspace.

The JCS did not confirm if South Korea was involved but called North Korea’s claims "shameless." Lee Seong-joon noted that while the North blames the South for the drones, it has also sent drones into South Korea multiple times without admitting it.

Additionally, South Korean officials said North Korea appeared to be preparing explosions at roads near the border to block access, something that could happen soon. Last week, North Korea’s military announced it would close the border completely.

North Korea has also been sending balloons filled with trash across the border, claiming it was a response to the propaganda launched by activists in the South.

South Korea’s unification ministry suggested that North Korea's drone accusations might be a way to strengthen internal control or create an excuse for provocations. Koo Byoung-sam, a ministry spokesperson, said the North might be trying to "cause anxiety and confusion" in South Korean society.

Some experts believe that the drones were likely sent by activists from the South. Yang Uk, from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said the incident reveals a weakness in North Korea’s air defence. He warned that if sending information by drones becomes common, it could be a serious problem for North Korea’s leadership.

Former South Korean intelligence chief Park Jie-won also commented, saying that the government’s refusal to confirm or deny involvement in the drone flights suggests it may be responsible.