North Korea has threatened to resume propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts and deploy additional weapons along its border with South Korea, escalating tensions following recent landmine explosions that injured three South Korean soldiers.
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued the warning on Monday, accusing South Korea of repeatedly firing warning shots and broadcasting warnings at the border since August over alleged incursions by North Korean troops.
She said the South Korean military’s actions had crossed a red line following the September 21 mine blasts, warning that Pyongyang was considering deploying more tactical strike weapons along the border as a pre-emptive measure and restarting propaganda broadcasts against Seoul.
The tensions intensified after South Korea formally blamed North Korea for planting the mines responsible for the explosions, demanding an apology and the removal of other mines in the area. Pyongyang has denied responsibility and warned of strong retaliation if provoked.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent years, with North Korea reinforcing its border with mines, barbed-wire fences, anti-tank barriers and other fortifications as part of its policy of severing ties with the South.
South Korea’s military says North Korean soldiers have crossed the military demarcation line about 50 times this year during border construction work, prompting warning shots and broadcasts from South Korean troops.
The latest threat raises fresh concerns over a possible escalation along one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders. South Korea’s military has yet to respond to Pyongyang’s latest warning.
