North Korea Considers Deploying Tactical Weapons and Resuming Border Broadcasts

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said her country is considering deploying additional tactical weapons and resuming broadcasts via loudspeakers near the border with South Korea, according to a statement published by the official Korean Central News Agency on Monday.

She added: "The situation on the southern border is extremely unstable at present."

She continued: "War advocates in the army of the Republic of Korea are seriously threatening the safety of our armed forces personnel by firing warning shots at them using automatic rifles and heavy-caliber machine guns," referring to the official name of South Korea.

Tensions between the two Koreas have escalated since Pyongyang began strengthening its border fortifications in April 2024. The two countries are separated by the Demilitarized Zone strip, which was established after the Korean War ended with an armistice in 1953.

Kim Yo Jong said Seoul issued 2,870 warnings via loudspeakers, along with 201 warning shots, during the period from August 1 to October 17.

Seoul has not yet disclosed data regarding its activities near the border in response to the fortification work carried out by North Korea.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense could not be immediately reached for comment.