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SEOUL, Oct 13 (Reuters) – North Korea has ordered its artillery units stationed near the border with South Korea to be prepared to fire in response to rising tensions over alleged drone activity. According to state media, the directive was issued as concerns grow over drones that North Korea claims have been flying over the border.
In South Korea, some defectors and activists have been sending aid packages and dropping leaflets that criticize Kim Jong Un’s regime into North Korea. In retaliation, North Korea has been releasing balloons filled with debris into South Korea, blaming the South Korean military for the situation.
North Korean state news agency KCNA quoted a defense ministry spokesperson who stated that there is an increased chance of drones entering the capital, prompting the military to be ready for any eventuality, including potential conflict.
On Friday, North Korea accused South Korea of deploying drones into Pyongyang at night during the past week and insisted that such actions warrant a retaliatory response. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued a warning to Seoul on Saturday, suggesting a “horrible disaster” could follow. She stated that if the South Korean military fails to recognize drones launched by a non-governmental organization crossing the border, the blame would fall squarely on them.
In response to North Korea’s claims, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff stated they could not confirm the accusations.
