North Korea Blows Up Regional Infrastructure, Escalates Tensions with South
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between North and South Korea, Pyongyang blew up sections of roads and railways connecting the two countries on Tuesday, Seoul’s military said. The move came as a direct response to the South’s alleged use of drones to drop anti-regime propaganda leaflets on the North’s capital, Pyongyang.
North Korea’s military last week vowed to permanently seal its southern border, and the latest move is seen as a further attempt to make good on that promise. The damaged infrastructure, which has been shuttered for years, sends a clear message that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is not prepared to negotiate with the South.
"This is a practical military measure related to the hostile dual-state system that North Korea has frequently mentioned," said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. "The North may also be looking to erect more physical barriers along the border, as the road detonations could be ‘preparatory work’."
The South Korean military released video footage showing North Korean soldiers in military uniforms ahead of a huge explosion, which emitted thick billowing smoke as it blew up sections of the Gyeongui road. More footage showed excavators digging, while soldiers worked as large red trucks arrived. The Seoul military also released separate footage showing North Korea blowing up a section of the Donghae road, on the east coast.
In response, South Korea’s unification ministry slammed North Korea for what it called an "extremely abnormal" provocation, adding that Seoul had shouldered millions in costs for building the infrastructure. The ministry also highlighted the North’s failure to repay its debts regarding the funding.
China, a traditional ally of the North, called on all parties "to avoid further escalation of conflicts" on the peninsula. The United States, which has a military alliance with South Korea, is also a key player in the region, with North Korea warning that it would consider any US involvement a " declaration of war".
As tensions remain high, the question on everyone’s mind is what next? Will North Korea respond by sending drones into the South or take strong action if drones infiltrate its territory again? The world is watching with bated breath as the situation on the Korean peninsula continues to unfold.
