South Korea on High Alert After North Korea Threatens Military Response Over Drone Dispute

 

South Korea's military has announced its readiness to respond following heightened tensions with North Korea over allegations of drone flights into Pyongyang. The North claims that South Korea has sent drones over its capital, dropping propaganda leaflets, and warned that further incursions would be considered "a declaration of war."

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused South Korea of an "unpardonable, malicious challenge" and threatened severe consequences if the flights continue. North Korea alleged that drones infiltrated its airspace on three separate occasions, prompting the regime to place artillery brigades on alert and reinforce air surveillance in Pyongyang.

While South Korea has not confirmed or denied any involvement in the drone activities, its military dismissed the accusations. A spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Lee Seong-joon, criticized the North's claims, stating, "The North can’t even verify the origin of a drone in the Pyongyang sky but blames the South, all while staying silent about the 10 times it has sent drones southward."

In response to the accusations, North Korea has ordered its troops to prepare for potential artillery strikes and reinforced its air defenses. The situation has escalated further with Pyongyang's announcement of plans to seal its border and destroy roads connected to South Korea, which officials in Seoul believe could happen soon.

South Korea's Unification Ministry suggested that North Korea's claims might be an attempt to strengthen internal unity or justify future provocations. Experts speculate that if South Korean drones were involved, it would highlight significant weaknesses in North Korea's air security.

Kim Yo Jong also pointed fingers at the United States, accusing Washington of supporting Seoul's actions, stating, "If the sovereignty of a nuclear weapons state was violated by mongrels tamed by Yankees, the master of those dogs should be held accountable."

Despite these tensions, some in South Korea suspect that the drones may have been launched by activist groups rather than the government. These groups have previously sent propaganda and U.S. currency into North Korea using balloons.

The United Nations Command, responsible for monitoring the Korean War armistice, announced it is investigating North Korea's claims in accordance with the Armistice Agreement. Meanwhile, South Korea remains on high alert, monitoring the situation closely and preparing for any potential military action from the North.