North Korea Puts Border Troops on High Alert Over Drone Claims
North Korea has placed its border troops on high alert after accusing South Korea of flying drones into Pyongyang, escalating tensions along the heavily militarized Korean border.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea’s military was ordered over the weekend to “get fully ready to open fire” in response to what it called a “war provocation.”
North Korea’s Military Response
The alert, which lasted from Saturday to Sunday, was directed at artillery units stationed along the South Korean border. These units were instructed to be prepared to launch immediate strikes if any similar drone infiltrations occurred. North Korea claims that Seoul sent drones into its airspace on three separate occasions in recent weeks, reportedly scattering anti-regime leaflets in Pyongyang.
While South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) has not confirmed the drone operations, they have stated that the military is closely monitoring North Korea’s activities and is prepared to counter any provocations. In a statement, the JCS also issued a warning to North Korea regarding its trash-laden balloons, which have been sent across the border since May, condemning them as a nuisance and calling for an end to the practice.
Tensions Along the Border
The rising tensions follow months of North Korean balloon attacks, which have caused disruptions and even fires in South Korea. The balloons, filled with trash and other materials, are seen as a retaliation against South Korea-U.S. joint military drills and other border activities that Pyongyang views as a threat to its sovereignty. Despite the provocations, South Korea has refrained from shooting down the balloons due to concerns over the potential dangers they might carry and the risk of causing collateral damage in populated areas.
Rising Military Alert
In the latest escalation, North Korea’s defense ministry has warned that the alleged drone incursions represent an undeniable “war provocation.” KCNA reported that eight North Korean artillery brigades stationed at the border have been put on full wartime strength, while other military units were also placed on heightened alert to intensify monitoring.
The ongoing tensions come amid concerns that North Korea may be planning more aggressive actions, including a potential nuclear test closer to the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Both Koreas have been expanding their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs, with North Korea unveiling a suicide drone in August. Last month, North Korea also released images of a facility designed to enrich uranium for atomic bombs, a development that has been a longstanding source of friction with the United States.
With border tensions at a peak, authorities in South Korea remain on high alert, watching closely for any further escalations.
