S. Korea strikes back after N. Korea destroys key road in escalating tensions

South Korea’s military carried out “counter-fire” operations on Tuesday near the fortified border with North Korea, after Pyongyang demolished parts of two key roads linking the two countries.

North Korea blew up sections of the Gyeongui and Donghae roads just north of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul. These roads, which historically symbolized efforts to connect the two nations, had already been closed for years.

The destruction, however, underscores a significant move by Pyongyang to sever remaining ties, following North Korea’s announcement last week that it would permanently close its southern border.

In response, Seoul’s military carried out countermeasures south of the MDL, a rare move highlighting the intensity of the current standoff.

North Korea’s strategic blow to South

The destruction of the roads is viewed as a calculated step by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who declared South Korea the North’s “principal enemy” earlier this year. Since that declaration, North Korea has bolstered its defenses, laying fresh mines, installing anti-tank barriers, and deploying missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads along the heavily militarized border.

“The destruction of these roads is not just symbolic; it sends a clear message that Kim is not interested in dialogue or reconciliation,” said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

“This is a practical military measure connected to the hostile relationship North Korea perceives between the two states.”

Yang added that the explosions might be part of a broader effort by the North to erect additional physical barriers along the border.

Seoul drones raise tensions in the Korean Peninsula

Tuesday’s developments come amid growing speculation over drone activity in the region. Last week, North Korea accused Seoul of using drones to drop anti-regime propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un reportedly convened a security meeting to direct “immediate military action” in response, state media reported.

Seoul has denied sending drones into North Korean territory but has since refused further comment. Pyongyang has warned it would consider any future drone incursions “a declaration of war.”

In 2022, five North Korean drones crossed into the South, the first such incident in five years, triggering the South Korean military to fire warning shots and deploy fighter jets. However, the jets were unable to down any of the drones.

As tensions over drone activity persist, South Korea has been working on developing advanced countermeasures. In July, the country announced plans to deploy drone-melting lasers, a system dubbed the “StarWars Project,” which shoots an invisible beam capable of disabling enemy drones at a cost of just 2,000 won ($1.45) per use.