Satellite images show North Korea has dug large trenches across roads and railways connecting it to South Korea, following explosions that damaged sections of the cross-border routes on October 15. The construction includes two main trenches, one near the Kaesong Industrial Zone on the western border and another near the Mt. Kumgang Tourist Zone on the eastern border. Analysts say the trenches appear to be aimed at permanently cutting off these transportation links.
Satellite images show North Korea dug large border trenches after demolishing road, rail links
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#truckingNews pic.twitter.com/GeVtMBytVQ— Translogistics Network (@RHAMembers) October 31, 2024
The western trench is approximately 125 meters long and 7 meters wide, with large piles of dirt on both sides, located near Dorasan Station in South Korea. The eastern trench, about 150 meters long, runs across the road near a North Korean border gate. Vehicles and construction equipment have been seen at both sites, suggesting work is ongoing.
The border blockade follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s move to sever relations with South Korea amid growing tensions. This week, North Korea also launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, with Kim describing it as a response to threats from “enemies.”
These new trenches effectively end cross-border transport links established during past attempts at cooperation, signaling a further shift toward isolation by North Korea.
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