ANKARA 

South Korea fired gunshots Tuesday after North Korea detonated sections of roads that connect the two Koreas, escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korean military sources.

North Korea detonated parts of the Gyeongui and Donghae roads north of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), which serves as the border between the two countries, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported, citing South Korea's military.

The divided Koreas are connected by these key routes—the Gyeongui Line, which links South Korea's western city of Paju to North Korea's Kaesong, and the Donghae Line along the eastern coast.

Last week, North Korea reportedly warned US forces stationed in South Korea that it intended to destroy sections of these inter-Korean roads leading south, marking an unusual escalation in rhetoric.

South Korea "strongly" condemned Pyongyang's move, calling it a "very abnormal" act.

The latest spike in tensions follows North Korea's accusation that South Korea flew unmanned drones over Pyongyang earlier this month. In response, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was briefed on the situation by defense and security officials on Monday, during which he ordered “immediate military actions.”

According to North Korean state media, Kim outlined "immediate military action" plans and provided directives on strengthening the nation’s "war deterrent" and exercising "the right to self-defense to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and interests."

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun initially denied any military drone incursions, while the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff later indicated they could not confirm the validity of North Korea’s claims.

🚨 Tensions rise on the Korean Peninsula

South Korea fired gunshots after North Korea detonated sections of roads that connect the two Koreas, escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korean military sources https://t.co/hQzWKVQY9O pic.twitter.com/AABUT9xjBQ

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) October 15, 2024

North Korea security meeting 'unprecedented'

In the unusual move, Kim Jong Un chaired a “consultative meeting on national defense and security” with key military and intelligence officials, marking a shift from North Korea’s typical decision-making process.

The meeting format, described as “unprecedented,” took place in response to the alleged drone flights over Pyongyang.

North Korean spy chief Ri Chang-ho reportedly briefed attendees on what he described as “the enemy's serious provocation that violated the sovereignty” of North Korea.

Korean People’s Army (KPA) General Staff Chief Ri Yong-gil then outlined potential military "counteraction plans." Also in attendance were Defense Minister No Kwang Chol, ruling party secretary Jo Chun Ryong, State Security Minister Ri Chang Dae, and senior commanders from the KPA’s artillery, detection, and electronic warfare bureaus.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry commented on the unusual nature of the meeting, noting it was the “first to be held in this format.”

A ministry official, quoted by the Korea Herald, explained, “Although the Central Military Commission typically serves as the main decision-making body, North Korea convened a meeting in a new format without revealing any details. Therefore, I believe it is important to withhold judgment on North Korea’s intentions and continue observing the situation closely.”

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid