North Korea Severely Escalates Tensions with South, Physically Cuts Off All Land Connections
In a move aimed at physically separating its territory from South Korea, North Korea has completely closed off roads and railways connecting the two countries in the eastern and western regions of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the measure was taken on October 15 as part of a phased effort to exercise North Korea's sovereignty and thoroughly separate its territory from South Korea.
17 October 2024
The move was confirmed by a spokesperson for North Korea's Ministry of National Defense, who stated that the authorities had used explosives to completely sever the roads and railways connecting the two countries in the areas of Ganseong-ri, Kosong County, Kangwon Province, and Dongin-ri, Panmunjom, Kaesong City. Similarly, the North Korean military used explosives to demolish a 60-meter stretch of highway and railway in the Ganhori area of Gangwon Province's Kosong County, as well as another 60-meter stretch in the Dongin-ri area of Kaesong City's Panmun District.
The spokesperson claimed that the demolition had no adverse effects on the surrounding ecological environment. North Korea's Ministry of Land and Environment Protection also stated that the recent demolition of roads and railways connecting the country to South Korea did not have any adverse effects on the surrounding ecosystem. According to the ministry's spokesperson, measures were taken to ensure that the environmental impact of the explosive demolition was minimal.
The decision to sever the roads and railways was taken in accordance with the country's constitution, which designates South Korea as a "thoroughly hostile state." The North Korean government cited the "severe security environment" caused by "serious political and military provocations" from South Korea as the reason for taking this measure. The move is seen as a significant escalation of tensions between the two countries and marks a complete physical separation of their territories.
Furthermore, the spokesperson announced that North Korea will continue to take steps to permanently fortify the sealed-off area along the southern border. The drastic measure was taken on October 15, with the aim of physically severing all land connections with South Korea. The move is seen as a significant escalation of tensions between the two nations, which have been strained for decades.
The destruction of the road and rail links is part of a broader effort by North Korea to fortify its southern border and create a permanent barrier between the two countries. The move is likely to have significant economic and humanitarian implications, as it will severely limit the movement of people and goods between the two nations.
According to North Korean officials, the complete closure of the highways and railways connecting North Korea to South Korea is a legitimate measure taken in response to the "serious political and military provocation" of hostile forces, which has brought the situation on the peninsula to the brink of war. By physically severing the transportation links between North Korea and South Korea through demolition, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has effectively separated its territory from that of its southern neighbor.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the measures taken are in line with the requirements of the country's constitution, which designates South Korea as a thoroughly hostile state. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to fortify the country's southern border and establish a permanent barrier.
It remains to be seen how this development will affect the already strained relations between North and South Korea, as well as the wider security situation on the Korean Peninsula. The move is likely to further escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, which have been heightened in recent months due to increased military exercises and rhetoric from both North and South Korea.
