North Korean howitzers spotted near South Korean border as missile strikes increase

Tensions between South Korea and North Korea have intensified as North Korean howitzers have been spotted near the South Korean border. Along with this incident, North Korea fired approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast on Thursday. Amidst this display of weaponry and missile tests, disputes and accusations between the two countries have escalated.

According to a Reuters report, three North Korean armored vehicles were seen from a South Korean observatory near the border, with their artillery barrels pointed toward the South. South Korea's Yonhap news agency identified these vehicles as 122-mm self-propelled howitzers. Displaying such artillery so openly near the border is an extremely rare occurrence. Meanwhile, approximately 20 to 30 North Korean soldiers were also seen performing fencing work inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Professor Lim Eul-chul of Kyungnam University told Reuters that it is very unusual for North Korea to openly display artillery in this manner. He added that this signals North Korea's intention to enforce its border policy through the use of force rather than dialogue or negotiations. The deployment could also be intended as a warning to South Korea to prevent accidental military clashes.

North Korea also conducted missile tests during this period. According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles were fired toward the East Sea from the Wonsan area on the North Korean east coast at 12:30 PM local time on Thursday. The South Korean military has increased surveillance of these strikes and is sharing information with the US and Japan. Japan's Ministry of Defense stated that these missiles fell outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Behind this rising tension is a landmine explosion that occurred in the DMZ in September. Three South Korean soldiers were injured in this explosion on September 21. A joint investigation by South Korea and the United Nations (UN) concluded that North Korea had planted the mine south of the Military Demarcation Line a year ago. However, Pyongyang has denied responsibility for the incident.

North Korea wrote a letter to the United Nations Security Council on Sunday, denying South Korea's allegations. According to a KCNA report, Pyongyang accused South Korea of portraying its border construction activities as military aggression. Pyongyang has warned that any violation of its sovereignty will be met with self-defense measures and that South Korea will be held fully responsible for all consequences. Pyongyang also accused South Korea of violating the UN Charter.

On the other hand, South Korea states that when North Korean soldiers cross the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), its military issues warning broadcasts and warning shots. South Korea had proposed negotiations to clarify the border and prevent accidental military clashes, but North Korea has not yet responded. North Korea had previously announced plans to resume propaganda broadcasts at the border and deploy new weapon systems.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, condemned South Korea's demand for an apology as "low-level" and rejected an offer of medical equipment made by South Korea. Amidst this tension, experts believe that North Korea is pressuring the US for more concessions following signals from US President Donald Trump regarding improving relations with Pyongyang.

Prior to these missile tests, North Korea also conducted a missile test on October 12. This year, Pyongyang has conducted missile tests more than 10 times, including submarine-launched cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un visited China and emphasized strengthening relations with China. He paid tribute at a memorial on the Chinese border and resolved to advance the unbreakable friendship with China. Kim Jong Un also met with high-ranking Chinese official Wang Huning.