North Korea’s military announced on Wednesday that it would “permanently shut off and block the southern border” with South Korea, marking a significant escalation in inter-Korean tensions. The country informed U.S. military officials of its decision in an effort to avoid accidental clashes, emphasizing the move as a “self-defensive measure” against South Korean “war exercises” and U.S. military presence.
In a statement, Pyongyang revealed plans to “cut off roads and railways” that had once allowed potential travel between the two Koreas. North Korea’s military further declared that they would “fortify the relevant areas on our side with strong defence structures,” reinforcing its defences along one of the world’s most heavily militarised borders.
Experts believe this decision aligns with a broader, long-term strategy by Pyongyang. “North Korea has already been demolishing parts of the Donghae Line railway, seemingly to completely sever its connection to the South,” said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. He described the latest statement as “official confirmation” of this ongoing process.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, is also expected to nullify a 1991 inter-Korean agreement as part of his efforts to designate South Korea as an enemy state. While the official announcement regarding the scrapping of the 1991 agreement has not yet been made, analysts suggest North Korea may be waiting for the outcome of next month’s U.S. election before taking further steps.
The border closure is part of a “major military step” that North Korea claims is necessary for its self-defence. However, it comes amid reports of increasing military activities at the border, including the laying of landmines and the construction of barriers.
Seoul has reported multiple casualties among North Korean soldiers during these fortification efforts, as landmines accidentally detonated while the military worked to reinforce the border.
