North Korea briefly ordered its troops along the South Korean border to prepare for immediate combat after accusing Seoul of sending drones into Pyongyang, labelling it a “war provocation.”
North Korea’s army general staff instructed artillery units over the weekend to “get fully ready to open fire” on enemy targets if a similar incident occurs again. The Korean Central News Agency reported this directive on Sunday. The order was active from 12th to 13th October. North Korea alleges that Seoul sent drones into Pyongyang three times this month, distributing leaflets critical of the Kim Jong Un regime.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) stated it is closely monitoring North Korea’s activities and prepared to respond to any provocations. However, it has neither confirmed nor denied the deployment of drones across the border.
North Korea has been sending balloons filled with trash across the border since late May, expressing anger over South Korea’s joint military drills with the US and other border activities, which Pyongyang views as threats to its sovereignty. The balloons have caused issues for Seoul and surrounding areas, including fires. South Korea has avoided shooting them down to prevent spreading potentially harmful materials or causing collateral damage in densely populated areas.
These events have heightened tensions along the heavily fortified border, with South Korean authorities on high alert for further escalation. In July, a South Korean official warned that North Korea might be considering a nuclear test closer to the US presidential election.
Under the latest directive, eight North Korean artillery brigades at the border were ordered to be “fully armed at full wartime strength,” while other military units were put on alert to increase surveillance. North Korea’s defense ministry stated that the “infiltration of drones” over Pyongyang represents an undeniable war provocation, promising action against further incursions.
In September, North Korea released its first photos of a uranium enrichment facility for atomic bombs, showing Kim Jong Un inspecting the plant. This facility has been a contentious issue with the US for over 20 years. Both Koreas have been advancing their unmanned aerial vehicle programs, with North Korea unveiling a suicide attack drone in August. Although the extent of North Korea’s drone capabilities remains uncertain, Kim has prioritised the development of drones for air and sea operations.
South Korea experienced a wake-up call regarding drone threats when North Korea sent five UAVs across the border in 2022, including one that flew near President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office in Seoul. The South Korean military attempted but failed to shoot down the drones, partly due to reluctance to fire munitions in populated areas.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC News reports North Korea’s front-line units are ready to strike South Korea amid tensions over drone flyovers and propaganda leaflets, escalating military threats.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did North Korea order its troops to prepare for immediate combat?
North Korea accused South Korea of sending drones into Pyongyang, labeling it a ‘war provocation.’
How did South Korea respond to North Korea’s accusations about drones?
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff stated they are monitoring North Korea’s activities but did not confirm or deny the drone allegations.
What has North Korea been sending across the border since May?
North Korea has been sending balloons filled with trash, expressing anger over joint military drills and border activities.
What recent military developments has North Korea showcased?
North Korea released photos of a uranium enrichment facility and unveiled a suicide attack drone.
What incident in 2022 heightened South Korea’s awareness of drone threats?
In 2022, North Korea sent five UAVs across the border, including one near President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office.