North Korea announced today that it has discovered the wreckage of a South Korean military drone on its territory, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The North described this as a “serious provocation” and warned of retaliatory actions if it occurs again.
According to the KCNA report, the drone is suspected of having dropped leaflets over central Pyongyang before crashing. “Based on the shape of the drone, its estimated flight time, and the leaflet-dispensing device attached to its underside, it is likely the drone responsible for scattering leaflets over Pyongyang,” the report stated. However, North Korea has not yet reached a final conclusion on the matter.
The North’s statement continued with a stern warning: “If it is confirmed that South Korea violated our territory, airspace, or territorial waters again with military means, it will be regarded as a serious military provocation against the sovereignty of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and a declaration of war. Immediate retaliatory action will follow.”
The South Korean government has declined to comment on whether it launched any drones over North Korea. Seoul has suggested that engaging in such accusations could lead to further complications, calling it a potential “trap” laid by the North.
Escalating Tensions
Tensions between North and South Korea have been on the rise since late May, when North Korea began sending balloons filled with trash across the border into South Korea. In response, Seoul restarted its propaganda broadcasts via loudspeakers, provoking anger in Pyongyang.
In recent days, North Korea has ramped up its hostile rhetoric, accusing the South of flying drones over its capital for three consecutive days this month. Pyongyang warned of a “horrific disaster” if it detects another drone in its airspace.
