South Korea said Monday it had detected signs that North Korea is preparing to destroy northern portions of inter-Korean routes that are no longer in use. The rivals are embroiled in growing tensions following North Korea’s allegations that South Korea flew drones into its territory.
The destruction of the roads would be in line with leader Kim Jong-un‘s desire to cut ties with South Korea and officially cement it as his country’s main enemy.
South Korea’s military said Monday it was observing various activities in North Korea that appeared to be preparations to demolish roads, such as installing screens.
They have set up screens on the road and are working behind them, preparing to blow up the roads, Lee Sung Joon, spokesman for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a briefing. press. He maintained that the demolitions could be carried out as early as Monday.
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A television screen shows an image of anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets during a news program at Seoul Station, October 11, 2024.
Photo : Associated Press / Ahn Young-joon
Mr. Lee said the South Korean military believes the North may also attempt to launch a space rocket, which is considered by the United Nations to be a banned test of long-range missile technology. Mr Lee said North Korea could carry out unspecified “small provocations” to increase pressure on Seoul.
It is unclear to what extent North Korea would destroy parts of the roads.
The development comes as North Korea recently accused South Korea of launching drones to drop propaganda leaflets on Pyongyang three times this month, and threatened to respond with force if it happens again .
“Be fully prepared to open fire”
In a statement on Sunday, North Korea’s Defense Ministry said the military had issued a preliminary operation order to artillery and other army units near the border with South Korea to “fully prepare to open fire.” The spokesperson said the entire South Korean territory “could turn into piles of ashes” after the North’s powerful attack.
North Korea often uses warlike rhetoric when animosities with its rivals rise. Experts say North Korea is highly unlikely to launch large-scale pre-emptive attacks because its military is outnumbered by the combined forces of the United States and South Korea.
South Korea declined to confirm whether it had sent drones, but warned it would severely punish North Korea if the safety of its citizens was threatened.
Last week, North Korea maintained that it would permanently block its border with South Korea and build front-line defense structures to deal with the “conflict hysteria” of South Korean and US forces.
South Korean officials say North Korea has already added anti-tank barriers, laid mines and reinforced roads on its side of the border since the start of the year, in a likely attempt to strengthen its security posture. front line and prevent its soldiers and citizens from crossing into South Korea.
Provocations
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest level in years, with North Korea continuing a series of provocative weapons tests and South Korea and the United States stepping up military exercises.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae attend the celebration of the 79th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang.
Photo : Reuters / KCNA
The road destruction and other provocations could be seen as an attempt to increase pressure on South Korea and the United States ahead of next month’s U.S. presidential election.
In January, Kim Jong-un ordered the revision of North Korea’s constitution to remove the goal of peaceful unification of Korea, officially designate South Korea as the country’s “invariable principal enemy” and define the territorial sphere and sovereign of the North.
The leader’s order stunned many North Korea watchers because it was seen as a break with his predecessors’ long-held dreams of peacefully achieving a unified Korea on the North’s terms.
Experts say Kim Jong-un is likely seeking to diminish South Korea’s voice in the regional nuclear standoff and seek direct negotiations with the United States. They say the North Korean leader also likely hopes to diminish South Korean cultural influence and strengthen his power in the country.
