South Korea has reported that it has detected signs indicating that North Korea is preparing to destroy parts of inter-Korean roads that are no longer in use. This comes as tensions between the two countries continue to rise due to North Korea’s claim that South Korea flew drones over its territory. The destruction of these roads would align with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un‘s efforts to sever ties with South Korea and establish it as the country’s primary enemy.
The South Korean military has observed various activities in North Korea, such as the installation of screens, which appear to be preparations for demolishing the roads. According to Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, these demolitions could occur as early as Monday. Additionally, there are concerns that North Korea may attempt to launch a space rocket, which would violate U.N. regulations on long-range missile technology testing.
It remains unclear how much of the roads North Korea intends to destroy. These developments come after North Korea accused South Korea of using drones to drop propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang multiple times this month and threatened a forceful response if it were repeated.
In response, the North Korean Defense Ministry issued a preliminary operation order for artillery and other army units near the border with South Korea “to get fully ready to open fire.” They warned that the entire territory of South Korea could be reduced “to piles of ashes” following a powerful attack from their side. However, experts believe it is unlikely for North Korea to launch full-scale preemptive attacks due to its military being outmatched by combined U.S. and South Korean forces.
South Korean officials have not confirmed whether they sent drones but have warned they will take stern action against any threats posed by North Korea towards their citizens. In recent months, tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated significantly due to provocative weapons tests by North Koreas and increased military drills conducted by both South Korean and U.S forces.
The destruction of these roads and other provocations can be seen as an attempt by North Koreas’ regime dial up pressure on both South Koreas’ government and ahead next month’s U.S presidential election.
In January this year Kim Jong Un ordered revisions in their constitution removing peaceful unification goals while formally designating south korea as their principal enemy along with defining north koreas sovereign territorial sphere.