North Korea’s military has ordered artillery units along its border with South Korea to be fully prepared to open fire, escalating tensions between the two nations. The announcement was made on October 12 through a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which reported that the Korean People’s Army (KPA) had issued a preliminary operation order to artillery units stationed near the border.
According to the KCNA report, eight North Korean artillery brigades have been placed on full alert, transitioning to a wartime mode and instructed to be on standby to launch attacks. Additionally, anti-air observation posts in the capital city of Pyongyang have been reinforced as part of the heightened military posture.
This move comes in response to claims from North Korea that South Korea has flown unmanned drones carrying propaganda leaflets into North Korean airspace on three separate occasions this month. North Korea’s defense ministry strongly condemned these alleged drone flights, labeling them as provocative acts and warning of severe consequences. The ministry stated that any future sightings of such drones would be considered a “declaration of war” by South Korea.
“We warn repeatedly that we will take action according to our judgment, regarding any drones to be spotted again as the ones from the ROK [Republic of Korea] and deeming it a declaration of war,” a North Korean defense ministry spokesperson said in a statement released by the KCNA.
Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, also issued a stark warning on Saturday. She cautioned that South Korea would face a “horrible disaster” if drones or any other provocations were repeated. Kim Yo-jong, who holds a powerful position within the North Korean regime, has often served as a vocal enforcer of her brother’s policies and has previously made similar threats against South Korea.
The latest escalation in rhetoric and military posturing has raised concerns of potential armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula. North and South Korea have technically remained at war since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Although tensions have fluctuated over the years, recent military exercises and political disagreements have led to renewed hostilities.
South Korea has not yet officially responded to the latest accusations and threats from North Korea. However, Seoul has previously denied conducting any operations involving unmanned drones over North Korean territory. The South Korean government has also emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and avoiding provocations in the region.
As both nations remain on high alert, the situation has drawn attention from the international community, with calls for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
