North Korea is reportedly preparing to detonate roads that cross the heavily militarized border with South Korea, escalating tensions between the two nations. The South Korean military announced on Monday that North Korean troops were camouflaging near the west and east coasts, likely in preparation for the explosive actions, which could occur as early as today.
This move follows North Korea’s recent declaration to sever all road and rail connections with South Korea and to fortify its border areas, according to state media outlet KCNA. The situation intensified after North Korea accused South Korea of sending drones to release anti-North Korean leaflets over Pyongyang, describing this as a military provocation that could lead to armed conflict.
Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, declined to comment on whether the South Korean military or civilians were involved in operating the drones. Over the weekend, North Korea issued a warning of a “horrible disaster” should South Korean drones reappear over its capital. The North announced that it has placed eight fully armed artillery units at the border on standby for potential firing.
South Korea’s military has refrained from addressing the drone allegations, arguing that engaging with North Korea’s claims could play into their strategy of manufacturing justifications for provocations. Since 2022, South Korea has been enhancing its anti-drone defenses after five North Korean drones entered its airspace, flying over Seoul for several hours.
Military expert Lee Kyoung-haing noted that civilians could easily obtain drones with a range sufficient to reach Pyongyang with light payloads, like leaflets. However, North Korea’s defense ministry asserted that the drones detected over Pyongyang earlier this month were of a type requiring special launchers or runways, ruling out civilian involvement.
The two Koreas remain technically at war, having only signed an armistice at the conclusion of the 1950-53 Korean War, rather than a peace treaty. Recent developments have led to North Korea reintroducing heavy weaponry into the Demilitarized Zone and restoring guard posts, reversing progress made during a 2018 military agreement aimed at reducing tensions.