North Korea’s defense ministry has accused South Korea’s military of deploying drones into its airspace for political purposes, deeming it a violation of the North’s sovereignty, according to state media KCNA on Monday.
The North’s ministry released findings from an investigation alleging that South Korean drones had crossed into Pyongyang’s territory at least three times this month, purportedly to distribute anti-North Korean leaflets. KCNA also showcased images of what it claims to be a crashed South Korean military drone.
In analyzing the drone’s flight control program, North Korean officials reported discovering over 230 flight plans and logs dating back to June 2023, which included intentions to disseminate “political motivational rubbish.” A specific record from October 8 revealed that a drone had taken off from South Korea’s Baengnyeongdo island late at night and released leaflets over key government buildings in Pyongyang.
Seoul’s defense ministry has yet to comment on the accusations but previously stated that Pyongyang’s unilateral claims were “not worth verifying or a response.” A North Korean spokesperson warned of a “merciless offensive” should such incursions continue, as reported by KCNA.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated since North Korea began sending balloons laden with debris into the South in late May, prompting South Korea to resume loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts.
Additionally, Seoul and Washington have indicated that North Korea may have dispatched around 3,000 troops to Russia for potential deployment in Ukraine, a move that could significantly heighten regional conflict. North Korea, however, asserted that any troop deployment in support of Russia would align with international law.
