North Korea has demolished parts of the roads that once connected it to South Korea and, as a result, escalated the tension between the two countries. On Tuesday, South Korea’s military confirmed that these roads, although no longer in use, were destroyed on the North Korean side of the border.
North Korea’s Defense Ministry then issued a stern warning on Sunday, ordering artillery units near the border to “get fully ready to open fire,” and stating they’re prepared for “immediate strikes” if South Korean drones cross the border again.
The situation has become so tense that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for an urgent meeting with top military and security officials on Monday, a day before the border destruction. During this meeting, they discussed plans for “immediate military action,” though specific details weren’t revealed, as per North Korean state media.
On the other hand, South Korea has neither confirmed nor denied the drone flights. However, the South Korean Defense Ministry reportedly warned the North not to cause harm to any South Korean citizen or else they would face severe consequences. This threat didn’t go unnoticed by Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s influential sister, who called the warning “suicidal” and warned of a “horrible disaster” if another South Korean drone is discovered.
The destruction of the inter-Korean roads is a huge setback in relations between the two countries. These roads, built during a period of increased cooperation in the early 2000s, were seen as symbols of hope for improved ties. Now, their demolition seems to send a clear message about North Korea’s current stance.
For months, the North has conducted multiple missile tests and increased its military activities near the border. Nevertheless, they are still not ready to go on a full-blown war with the South’s reportedly superior military power.