The Republic of Korea is contemplating the deployment of special forces to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) on its border with North Korea, as tensions escalate following Pyongyang’s restoration of border guard posts previously dismantled under the 2018 inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement. This development comes in the wake of North Korea’s recent activities, including the successful launch of the Mulligan-1 reconnaissance satellite aboard a Chollima-1 launch vehicle, which has intensified security concerns in Seoul.
Images of the launch of the DPRK’s Mulligan-1 military reconnaissance satellite are published by North Korean media
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally observed the process of launching the satellite into orbit. It is planned that in the “near future” the country will… pic.twitter.com/dTWGN7CRak
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 22, 2023
South Korea announced a partial suspension of the 2018 agreement, specifically lifting the no-fly zone provisions. Subsequently, North Korea declared it would no longer adhere to any part of the agreement and would resume practices previously banned under the pact. This breakdown in the agreement has prompted South Korea to consider reinforcing its border security by stationing special forces near the DMZ, particularly as the reconstruction of permanent structures at the guard posts is expected to take considerable time.
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