Seoul says North Korea is preparing to destroy the northern sides of the inter-Korean roads

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea said Monday it has detected indications that North Korea is preparing to destroy northern sections of inter-Korean roads that are no longer in use, as rivals become embroiled in escalating tensions over North Korean claims that South Korea flew… Drones over its territory.

Destroying roads will be in line with the leader Kim Jong Un’s push He severed ties with South Korea, formally establishing it as his country’s main enemy and abandoning North Korea’s decades-old goal of seeking a peaceful unification of the two Koreas.

The South Korean military said on Monday that it was monitoring various activities in North Korea that appeared to be preparations for road demolition, such as installing barricades.

“They have installed roadblocks and are working behind those roadblocks, preparing to blow up the roads,” Lee Sung-joon, spokesman for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a news conference. He added that demolitions may take place on Monday.

Lee said the South Korean military believes the North may also try to launch a missile space rocket, Which the United Nations considers a banned test of long-range missile technology. Lee said North Korea may conduct unspecified “small provocations” to increase pressure on Seoul.

It is not clear how much of the roads North Korea will destroy.

This development comes as North Korea recently accused South Korea of ​​launching drones to drop propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang three times this month and threatened to respond with force. If it happens again. South Korea refused to confirm whether it sent drones, but warned that it would severely punish North Korea if the safety of its citizens was threatened.

The North Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday that the military issued the order Artillery and other army units near the border with South Korea “to be fully prepared to open fire.” The spokesman said that the entire South Korean territory “may turn into piles of ash” after the powerful attack launched by North Korea.

North Korea has already been adding anti-tank barriers, laying mines and strengthening roads on its side of the border since earlier this year in a possible attempt to bolster its security posture on the front lines and prevent its soldiers and citizens from defecting, South Korean officials said. To South Korea.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest levels in years, with North Korea continuing to conduct a series of provocative missile tests, and South Korea and the United States expanding their military exercises. Observers say North Korea could do just that Major weapons tests Ahead of the US presidential election next month to increase its influence in future diplomacy with the Americans.

In January, Kim Jong Un ordered Review of North Korea’s constitution To remove the goal of peaceful unification of Korea, officially designate South Korea as the country’s “principal persistent enemy,” and define North Korea’s sovereign territorial sphere.

Kim’s order stunned many North Korea watchers because it was seen as a break from his predecessors’ long-held dreams of achieving a peacefully unified Korea on North Korea’s terms. Experts say Kim likely aims to reduce South Korea’s voice in the regional nuclear standoff and seek direct engagement with the United States. They say Kim also likely hopes to reduce South Korea’s cultural influence and strengthen his rule at home.