North Korea has accused the United States of conducting extensive aerial espionage operations along its border, claiming that over a dozen American aircraft have engaged in reconnaissance missions in recent weeks. Kim Kang Il, North Korea’s Vice Defense Minister, detailed these accusations in a statement released by the Korean Central News Agency on May 25.
According to Kim, 16 US Air Force surveillance planes, including RC-135 and U-2S reconnaissance aircraft and RQ-4B drones, conducted sorties near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea between May 13 and May 24. Kim described these activities as “hostile air espionage” that occurred “almost without any time lag every day.” He asserted that these operations surpassed the intensity typical of wartime conditions.
The US Department of Defense and the US Forces Korea have not yet responded to these allegations. North Korea’s statement also condemned South Korean naval actions, alleging enemy incursions across its maritime border under the guise of “mobile patrols.” Kim warned that North Korea would take “necessary military measures” in response to these perceived intrusions and noted that “dangerous consequences” could ensue from continued violations of its sovereignty.
Additionally, North Korea criticized South Korean activists for launching balloons containing anti-regime leaflets and US dollars across the border, labeling these actions as “dangerous provocations.”
Inter-Korean relations have deteriorated significantly, with Pyongyang declaring Seoul as its “principal enemy.” North Korea has dismantled agencies dedicated to reunification and has issued stern warnings against any perceived territorial infringements. The situation remains volatile as the US and South Korea continue joint military drills, which they assert are necessary to counter the threat from the nuclear-armed North. Pyongyang, however, views these drills as rehearsals for invasion and often responds with weapons tests and live-fire exercises.
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