Seoul, South Korea, has stated that it is fully prepared to respond to any provocation from North Korea amidst reports that Pyongyang has deployed troops to the border and is preparing to blow up roads connecting the two nations along the heavily militarized dividing line. Tensions have risen as North Korea accused Seoul of sending drones over its capital to drop propaganda leaflets, warning that it would consider it a declaration of war if another drone was detected. South Korean military spokesman Lee Sung-jun confirmed that they are on full readiness against any provocation and are closely monitoring the situation.
While Seoul has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the drone flights, they have called North Korea’s claims “shameless” and blamed Pyongyang for starting the tension. The North has ordered artillery units to open fire in case of escalation and has reinforced air observation posts in Pyongyang. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, has threatened a “horrible disaster” if the drone flights do not stop, calling them an unpardonable challenge to the state.
The two Koreas remain technically at war since the armistice of the Korean War, and recent escalations have jeopardized the delicate peace on the peninsula. North Korea’s reintroduction of heavy weapons into the Demilitarized Zone and the demolition of cross-border roads indicate a deterioration in relations between the two nations. Despite past efforts at cooperation, the current situation remains tense, with both sides bracing for potential conflict.
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