The tension between South Korea and North Korea is increasing yet again after North Korea has reportedly blown up a few parts of inter-Korean roads that connect both the sides. The destruction of roads near the border is a warning that has been served after a heated atmosphere due to North Korea accusing the South Korea of sending drones over the skies of Pyongyang. South Korea initially denied any such activities however, on Monday, Lee-Sung-Jun, a spokesperson for the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff completely declined to answer if or not the drones were sent by the South Korean military or civilians.
Angered by the frequent drone activity, North Korea had stated last week that it would completely cut off roads and railways that connect the North to South Korea and fortify the area on its side of the border as reported by KCNA. Moreover, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo-Jong, has also given a warning saying that if the drones were found flying again then South Korea shall see a “horrible disaster“. Followed by which the North Korean government has planted eight fully armed artillery units at the border which are on standby to open fire when needed.
South Korea calls it excuses for provocation
Responding to the North’s statement and destruction caused, South Korea has stated that they have boosted their defences. The military said that they are enforcing their readiness to ensure the security of the Nation. Talking about why South Korea is refusing to answer, the military has said that they believe that answering to what North Korea has alleged would be to get drawn into a trick played by Pyongyang to fabricate excuses for provocation. In fact, South Korea highlighted that they have started to strengthen its anti-drone defence since 2022, after 5 North Korean drones entered South Korean land.
On one hand, a South Korean expert in military drone operation at Jungwon University, has said that civilians can easily get their hands on drones with ranges of 300 km, and possibly sent it over the border. Meanwhile, on the other hand, North Korea’s Defence Ministry said that the drones that were detected in Pyongyang were a special kind, which requires a special launcher or a runway and it was not something a normal civilian may have access to.
Conflict between South and North Korea
Let us tell you that the war between South Korea and North Korea is still ongoing on the inside, because the 1950-53 war ended as a break and not as a peace treaty. The 1950 war began when North Korea invaded South Korea and attempted to unify the Peninsula following its communist system. The war was a major one, as North Korea was supported by China and the Soviet Union whereas South Korea was backed by the United States and the other UN forces. However, the war did not end in the peace treaty which basically means that the war has technically not ended. Since then, there has been high tension between South and North Korea and the road blowing up incident has further escalated the concern.