North Korea thinks that South Korea is sending drones to its capital, and has threatened to respond with force if it happens again.
But does Kim Jong Un’s big red button work?
At a glance:
- North Korea has accused South Korea of flying drones into Pyongyang and threatened military retaliation if it happens again.
- South Korea denied the accusation but did not provide detailed clarification on the situation.
- Tensions between the two Koreas have been escalating due to ongoing psychological warfare, military activities, and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
North Korea has accused South Korea of sending drones into its capital, Pyongyang, to drop anti-regime propaganda leaflets and has threatened to respond with military force if such flights occur again. In a statement issued Friday by North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, the regime claimed that drones from South Korea were detected on three different days this month, including October 3 and two more instances this week. North Korea described the alleged incursions as a violation of its sovereignty and a dangerous provocation that could lead to armed conflict or war.
The ministry’s statement warned that North Korean forces are preparing “all means of attack” and would retaliate without warning if South Korean drones enter its airspace again. The safety lock on their trigger, it said, had been “released,” and they would be watching closely for further provocations.
In response, South Korea issued a vague denial. During a parliamentary hearing, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun stated, “We have not done that,” although he did not specify whether he was referring to military drones or civilian-operated drones. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff also said it could not confirm the North’s claims but warned North Korea to act with caution and restraint. They added that any threats to South Korean citizens would be met with “stern and thorough retaliation.”
This latest confrontation is part of an escalating psychological warfare campaign between the two Koreas. Since May, North Korea has been sending balloons filled with trash across the border in retaliation for South Korean activists flying balloons with anti-regime leaflets into the North. On Friday evening, South Korea reported that North Korea was again sending balloons into its territory, prompting warnings for civilians to be cautious of falling objects.
Tensions have further heightened due to North Korea’s ongoing nuclear weapons testing and its threats of nuclear conflict against South Korea and the United States. In response, the U.S. and South Korea have been increasing joint military exercises and bolstering defense cooperation, including with Japan, to counter the North’s threats. On Wednesday, North Korea announced plans to permanently close its border with South Korea and strengthen its front-line defenses in response to what it calls “confrontational hysteria” by its southern neighbor and the U.S.
Experts suggest that North Korea’s provocative actions, including a potential nuclear test or intercontinental ballistic missile launch, may be part of a strategy to gain leverage over the United States and force negotiations from a position of strength. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has warned that North Korea is likely to stage major provocations around the time of the U.S. presidential election in November, as it seeks to draw attention from Washington. Yoon has also condemned North Korea’s balloon campaign, warning of consequences if these activities endanger the safety of South Korean citizens.