Official announcements or reports from South Korean government or international news agencies

North Korea Orders Eight Brigades to Prepare to Fire, Blows Up Roads Amid Drone Dispute

Oct 14, 2024, 09:20 AM

North Korea has escalated tensions with South Korea by ordering its artillery units along the border, including eight artillery brigades, to prepare to fire. This directive, issued by the General Staff Department, follows accusations that South Korean drones flew over Pyongyang, which North Korea has labeled a 'war provocation.' Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, claimed to have clear evidence of South Korean military involvement in the drone flights. In response, South Korea has placed its military on full readiness and issued a strong warning against any aggressive actions from the North. The situation has further deteriorated with North Korea blowing up sections of roads and railways connecting the two countries. South Korea condemned these actions as 'very abnormal' and has conducted counter-fire operations near the heavily fortified border. The escalation has prompted international concern, with Russia urging South Korea to avoid provocations. Kim Jong-un convened a security meeting to discuss response measures.