On the 18th, a spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Defense stated that they have proven through decisive evidence and reconnaissance that the recent incident involving a drone penetration into Pyongyang was orchestrated by the South Korean military.
The spokesperson noted that on the 13th of this month, during a focused search across various districts in Pyongyang, the Ministry of Social Security discovered the wreckage of a fallen drone in the 76 resident class area of the Xipu region in the brother mountain area.
In response, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of State Security established a joint reconnaissance task force to conduct technical assessments and investigations into the drone, which confirmed that it was launched by South Korea.
Experts, through analysis and technical evaluation, identified the fallen drone in the Xipu area of Pyongyang as a “long-range reconnaissance mini-drone” operated by the South Korean military’s “Drone Operations Command.” Based on the collected data regarding the drone’s battery discharge and residual fuel, it is inferred that the drone was deployed at least 5 to 7 days prior.
The North Korean authorities suspect that this drone was intended for distributing leaflets over central Pyongyang, as indicated by the drone’s external features, estimated flight duration, and the leaflet dissemination tubes that remained attached. However, this conclusion has not yet been confirmed.
If this drone was not intended for leaflet dropping, it would serve as further evidence of South Korea’s military aggression infringing upon North Korean airspace, marking another instance of provocation from the South Korean military, which could have severe consequences.
North Korea emphasized that while the South Korean military continues to offer justifications and deflect responsibility, objective evidence and scientific analysis indicate that South Korea has engaged in hostile acts that infringe upon North Korean sovereignty.
In light of these events, the North Korean Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army ordered all troops in Pyongyang and along the border to enhance the deployment of surveillance watchposts.
The General Staff also decided that the artillery joint units and troops responsible for key firepower tasks near the border will maintain a state of full combat readiness, a move that has received approval.
The spokesperson issued a warning that should South Korea’s military actions once again be detected as a breach of North Korean territory, airspace, and waters, it would be interpreted as a severe military provocation and a declaration of war, prompting North Korea to respond with retaliation in a timely manner.
