North Korea Escalates Tensions Over Drone Accusation

Tensions between North and South Korea have escalated after North Korea accused South Korea of flying drones over Pyongyang to drop propaganda leaflets, leading to North Korea blowing up sections of inter-Korean roads and putting its troops on high alert. South Korea has neither confirmed nor denied these drone flights but has expressed its readiness to respond to any provocations. The North Korean military has ordered artillery units to prepare to open fire if such incursions recur. Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, has issued strong warnings, blaming the U.S. and South Korea for the tensions, while threatening severe consequences. This development marks another setback in inter-Korean relations, which have been strained since the collapse of U.S.-led nuclear diplomacy in 2019. Experts suggest that while North Korea is unlikely to initiate a full-scale attack due to the superior combined military forces of South Korea and the U.S., the situation remains volatile.