North Korea threatens strikes amid tensions over drone incursions

North Korea has escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula, declaring that its front-line units are prepared to launch strikes against South Korea in response to alleged drone incursions.

In a statement released Sunday, North Korea’s Defense Ministry claimed that South Korea had flown drones and dropped propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang, warning that any repeat of such actions would prompt military retaliation.

While South Korea has neither confirmed nor denied sending drones, it issued a stern warning, vowing to “sternly punish” North Korea if the safety of its citizens is compromised.

An unidentified North Korean military spokesperson issued a chilling declaration, stating that artillery and other units near the border had been ordered to “get fully ready to open fire” on potential enemy targets. “Grave touch-and-go military tensions are prevailing on the Korean Peninsula,” the spokesperson said, further intensifying the rhetoric.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, added to the heated exchange, labeling South Korea’s reported defense warnings as “suicidal” and forewarning of a “horrible disaster” if further drone incursions occurred.

Though North Korea’s belligerent rhetoric is not uncommon during heightened tensions, experts note that a full-scale attack is unlikely, given the military imbalance between North Korea and the combined forces of South Korea and the U.S. Nonetheless, the North’s provocations continue to pose significant risks, particularly as it seeks to leverage its position ahead of upcoming diplomatic engagements with the U.S.

Both nations have a long history of mutual provocations, including North Korea’s recent launch of balloons filled with trash into South Korea and South Korea’s response with border loudspeakers broadcasting anti-Pyongyang messages and K-pop songs.