North Korea continues its effort to destroy symbols of reunification with the South

The North Korean regime destroyed sections of the road connecting the two Koreas on Tuesday, October 15. In a context of growing tensions exacerbated by the sending of drones to Pyongyang – attributed to the South – loaded with leaflets criticizing the leader, Kim Jong-un, the North seems determined to eliminate any symbol of efforts in favor of reunification. In response, the South launched artillery attacks near the demilitarized zone (DMZ), which has separated the peninsula since the end of the Korean War (1950-1953). The army “closely monitors the North’s military activities.” The destroyed roads are those of Gyeongui, in the west, and Donghae, in the east. Built in 2003 in the midst of the so-called “sunshine” policy of inter-Korean rapprochement, they made it possible to connect the South to the Kaesong industrial complex and the tourist site of Mount Kumgang, both in the North. “Two hostile states” Their destruction reflects Kim Jong-un’s desire to further separate the Koreas, which he described at the end of 2023 as “two hostile states”. The North has since removed the lights and installed mines along these roads. Soldiers equipped them with anti-tank structures and barbed wire. Last week, the North Korean military announced a plan to “completely separate” the two Koreas. She informed the US military of the destruction in order to “prevent any misjudgment and accidental conflict”. The North’s initiative takes place in a context of stalled communication and persistent, even growing, tensions. Pyongyang continues its missile tests and continues to strengthen its security ties with Russia. Ukraine accuses Pyongyang of supplying not only weapons, but also men to Moscow to support the Russian war effort. Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers In North Korea, a dangerous repositioning between nuclear spiral and alliance with Russia Add to your selections Tensions rose further after North Korea claimed on October 11 that the South had sent drones over Pyongyang three times, on October 3, 9 and 10 – the anniversary of the creation of the ruling Workers’ Party. Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of Kim Jong-un, threatened the South with a “horrible disaster” if drones were to fly over the capital again. The South has denied any involvement. “We cannot confirm the veracity of North Korea’s allegations,” responded South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. On October 13 on the public channel, KBS, national security adviser Shin Won-sik affirmed that Pyongyang’s accusations could have been staged in order to consolidate internal control of the population. You have 39.71% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.



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