South Korea on high alert as drone tensions escalate

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Oct 2024 09:49

South Korea's military has announced that it is "fully ready" to respond amid escalating tensions following DPRK ordering its border troops to prepare for possible firing.

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A man uses binoculars to look at the DPRK side of the Demilitarised Zone from South Korea's Odusan Unification Observatory in Paju. (AFP)

South Korea's military declared on Monday that it is "fully ready" to respond to rising tensions after DPRK ordered its border troops to prepare for potential firing in response to drone flights over Pyongyang.

This comes shortly after DPRK accused Seoul of flying drones into its capital to drop leaflets filled with "inflammatory rumors and rubbish" and warned that any further drone activity would be seen as "a declaration of war."

While Seoul’s military has denied responsibility for the flights, speculation has pointed to activist groups in South Korea, known for sending propaganda and US currency northward, often by balloon.

However, DPRK insists the South is to blame, announcing that it has placed eight artillery brigades on high alert and reinforced air observation posts in Pyongyang.

"Our military is closely monitoring the situation and standing fully ready for the North's provocations," said Lee Seong-joon, spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), during a press briefing.

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DPRK says that drones have entered Pyongyang’s airspace three times recently, with Kim Yo Jong, the Deputy Department Director of the Publicity and Information Department of the Workers' Party of Korea, issuing a warning of a "horrible disaster" unless the flights cease. In a statement on Monday, she called the drone activity "an unpardonable, malicious challenge to our state" and demanded measures to prevent further violations of DPRK's airspace.

The JCS declined to confirm or deny South Korea’s involvement, calling the DPRK's accusation "shameless".

Spokesperson Lee added, "The North can't even confirm the origin of a drone in the Pyongyang sky but is placing blame on the South – all the while keeping a shut mouth on its sending of a drone southward on ten occasions."

Seoul's military also suggested that the DPRK may be preparing to blow up roads connected to the South, following Pyongyang’s recent announcement that it would "completely separate" the two territories. The explosions could occur "as early as today," according to Lee.

Inter-Korean hostilities have simmered this year as South Korea appears to have strengthened ties with the US, deepening widespread concerns. China, Russia, and the DPRK have all voiced alarm over US efforts to militarize the Asia-Pacific region through an expanding network of security agreements.