In a dramatic escalation of tensions, North Korea has blown up key road connections with South Korea, prompting a swift military response from Seoul. This latest development further strains the already tense relations between the neighbouring nations.
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification, the body responsible for inter-Korean relations, denounced North Korea’s actions, calling them “abnormal” and in breach of previous agreements. The destruction of the roads, while not in use, carries significant symbolic weight.
According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea detonated parts of the Gyeongui and Donghae roads, located north of the military demarcation line. In retaliation, South Korean forces fired warning shots near the border, signalling their discontent. So far, South Korean officials have not provided further details about their military actions or if North Korea has responded to the shots.
This marks another chapter in the rising hostility between the two nations, with Kim Jong Un having recently declared South Korea as the “main enemy.” Pyongyang has fortified its borders, laying additional mines and positioning missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Tensions escalated further after North Korea announced its plan to cut off all roads and railways connecting the two countries, following joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States last week.
While there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or additional retaliatory measures from either side, the situation remains volatile.
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