Seoul: Tensions are escalating on the Korean Peninsula as South Korea revealed on Monday that it has detected North Korea’s preparations to demolish sections of inter-Korean roads, according to an AP report. This move is reportedly in retaliation for alleged drone operations by South Korea, which North Korea claims were used to drop propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang on three separate occasions this month.
South Korea’s military reported that North Korean forces appear to be setting up for explosive demolitions, though it remains unclear how much of the roads connecting the two countries will be affected.
In response to these developments, North Korea has also threatened military retaliation if similar incidents occur again. On Sunday, North Korea’s Defense Ministry issued a stern warning, stating that artillery and military units near the border have been placed on high alert, ready to open fire. A spokesperson for the regime cautioned that South Korea could face severe destruction, with its territory potentially turning “into piles of ashes” if attacked by the North.
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While South Korea has not confirmed whether it deployed drones for the alleged leaflet operations, it emphasized that any threat to its citizens’ safety would be met with a strong response.
In a further escalation, North Korea previously announced plans to sever transport communication links between the two nations and strengthen border defenses by building more fortifications along the front lines. The Kim Jong-un regime claims that these measures are necessary to counter what it calls “confrontational hysteria” from both South Korean and U.S. forces.
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The situation comes amid heightened tensions, as North Korea continues its provocative weapons testing. Kim Jong-un recently acknowledged that the possibility of using nuclear weapons in a conflict with the U.S. and South Korea cannot be ruled out.
Simultaneously, South Korea and the U.S. have expanded their joint military drills in response to North Korea’s ongoing actions, further increasing regional tensions.
