Tensions between North Korea and South Korea have intensified after Pyongyang accused Seoul of misrepresenting a landmine incident near their heavily fortified border and warned of consequences for any violation of its sovereignty.
A Reuters witness observed three North Korean armoured vehicles positioned near the border on Monday, with their gun barrels pointed south. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency identified the vehicles as self-propelled 122-mm howitzers. Around 20 to 30 North Korean soldiers were also seen carrying out fencing work inside the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ).
Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University in Seoul, described the artillery deployment as unusual, suggesting that the visible positioning could signal Pyongyang’s intention to enforce its border policy through military force rather than dialogue. He also said the move could serve as a warning to Seoul against escalating tensions and help deter an accidental military confrontation.
North Korean troops have reportedly conducted military exercises near the border as well. Yonhap reported that soldiers were carrying out drills along the coast of Kaepung county, approximately 1.5 kilometres from a South Korean observatory.
North Korea Accuses Seoul of Misrepresenting Landmine Incident
In a letter to the United Nations Security Council on Sunday, North Korea rejected South Korea’s allegations concerning a September landmine explosion inside the DMZ. Pyongyang accused Seoul of portraying its border construction activities as a military incursion.
According to North Korean state media KCNA, Pyongyang’s representative to the UN warned that any violation of the country’s sovereignty could trigger self-defence measures, holding South Korea responsible for the consequences.
North Korea also accused South Korean forces of opening fire on its personnel, describing the alleged action as a violation of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against another country’s territorial integrity.
South Korea has maintained that its military issues warning broadcasts and fires warning shots when North Korean soldiers cross the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), which divides the two countries within the DMZ.
Dispute Over September Explosion Deepens Tensions
The latest exchange follows a letter South Korea sent to the UN Security Council last week concerning an explosion inside the DMZ on September 21. Seoul alleged that the blast was caused by a landmine planted by North Korean troops, describing the incident as a violation of the Korean War Armistice Agreement.
The UN Command, which oversees the DMZ, also stated that a North Korean mine placed across the demarcation line would violate the armistice. Pyongyang has denied responsibility for the incident.
The artillery sightings, military exercises and competing allegations have heightened concerns over the possibility of an accidental confrontation along one of the world’s most heavily militarised borders.
