Pyongyang escalated on Tuesday by detonating parts of the Gyeongui and Donghae roads, symbolic inter-Korean infrastructure connecting North with South Korea. The move is part of broader Pyongyang efforts to fortify its southern border since Kim Jong Un last declared South Korea as the “principal enemy.” South Korean military retaliated by fire that did not cause damage to any of its forces.
These acts came following North Korea accusing South Korea of using drones to deliver anti-regime propaganda over Pyongyang, another provocation in stoked hostilities. Kim Jong-un called a security meeting, ordering immediate military action, while his sister, Kim Yo-jong, issued a statement branding the South as committing drone provocations and warning of retaliatory actions.
These roads may have never been used for decades, but their demolition has, in the opinion of experts, been a pretty blunt signal that North Korea does not want to see any negotiation with the South. The North is probably also in preparation to strengthen physical defenses along the border. Meanwhile, Seoul’s unification ministry referred to the act as “very provocative.” The ministry dared North Korea to respond to the legacy of unpaid bills on infrastructure it claims South Korea built in the Demilitarized Zone.
This development further adds to already very tense relations between two Koreas, with the possibility of escalation continuing when drones continue their incursions. China’s foreign ministry has called for calm on the Korean Peninsula and urged all parties to avoid further escalation on the Korean Peninsula.