Seoul states that North Korea is preparing to detonate explosives along roads connecting to South Korea

October 14, 2024 TruthUSA

The South Korean military stated that it will retaliate strongly in self-defense if there are any provocative actions from North Korea.

On Monday, South Korea’s military reported detecting activities by the North Korean army, indicating preparations for potential explosions along roads connected to South Korea.

After North Korea announced on Oct. 9 its intention to “completely separate” the territories of the two neighboring countries, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) made the remarks.

During a press briefing, JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun informed reporters that North Korea was installing covers on roads connecting the two Koreas in preparation for potential explosions and other provocative actions that could escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Lee stated that North Korea might carry out the explosions soon or engage in other provocative actions, prompting a strong retaliation in terms of self-defense from South Korea.

The detected activities were identified on roads along the Gyeongui line, linking South Korea’s western border city of Paju to North Korea’s Kaesong, and the Donghae line on the eastern coast of the inter-Korean border.

Pyongyang’s military announced on Oct. 9 its plan to sever roads and railways connecting the two countries and reinforce the areas with “defense structures,” according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korea accused South Korea of sending drones with propaganda leaflets across the border last week. While South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun denied the accusation initially, JCS later stated that the claims could not be verified.

KCNA reported on Oct. 13 that North Korea’s defense ministry had issued a preliminary operation order to the artillery units and other army units along the border to be fully prepared to open fire.

The report mentioned that army units were instructed to be ready for any developments at the border, including potential immediate strikes on enemy targets due to the possibility of drone infiltration from South Korea.

Previously, Pyongyang had retaliated against South Korean activists who flew balloons with propaganda leaflets across the border by sending thousands of balloons filled with trash towards South Korea. Seoul responded by resuming loudspeaker broadcasts near the border areas.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been escalating in recent years due to North Korea’s repeated missile tests involving various missile systems, including long-range missiles capable of hitting the United States and its Asian allies.

In June, North Korea and Russia signed a “strategic partnership” pact allowing each party to offer military assistance in case of an attack. The United States, South Korea, and Japan have expressed deep concerns about the pact.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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