South Korea has reported detecting signs that North Korea is preparing to demolish sections of unused inter-Korean roads, as tensions rise over North Korea’s allegation that South Korea has flown drones over its territory.
“They have set up screens along the road and are working behind them to prepare for demolition,” Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a briefing on Monday. He noted that the destruction could commence as soon as Monday.
Lee also mentioned that the South Korean military suspects North Korea might attempt to launch a space rocket, which the UN considers a prohibited test of long-range missile technology. He added that North Korea may execute unspecified “small provocations” to intensify pressure on Seoul.
The exact number of road sections North Korea plans to demolish remains unclear.
This development follows North Korea’s recent accusations against South Korea for deploying drones to drop propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang three times this month. North Korea has threatened to retaliate forcefully if such actions continue.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the North’s Defense Ministry indicated that the military had issued a preliminary operation order to artillery and other units near the South Korean border to “prepare to open fire.” The spokesperson warned that the entirety of South Korea could “turn into piles of ashes” following a strong attack from the North.
While South Korea has not confirmed whether it deployed drones, officials have warned they would respond decisively to any threats to their citizens.
South Korean officials noted that North Korea has been strengthening its border defenses by adding anti-tank barriers, laying mines, and reinforcing roads on its side of the border since earlier this year. These measures likely aim to enhance front-line security and deter potential defections of soldiers and civilians to South Korea.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest level in years, with North Korea continuing its series of weapons tests and South Korea and the US increasing their military exercises.
The planned destruction of roads and other actions could be interpreted as efforts to escalate pressure on South Korea and the US in the lead-up to next month’s US presidential election.
