North Korea Severing Ties with South: A New Escalation

North Korea announced plans to cut off roads and rail connections to South Korea and strengthen border fortifications. This escalation follows increased military activities and is a response to South Korea's war exercises and U.S. military presence. The Korean People's Army regards South Korea as its principal enemy.

In a significant move, North Korea's Army has revealed intentions to sever all roads and railway connections to South Korea, starting Wednesday, as reported by KCNA, the state media outlet.

This development marks an intensification of activities near the demarcation line separating the two nations, which had been relatively quiet until this year. Over recent months, North Korea has been laying landmines, erecting barriers, and creating wasteland along the militarized border, according to statements from South Korea's military in July.

The Korean People's Army, through KCNA, described the move as a response to military drills conducted by South Korea, labeling it as 'the primary hostile state and invariable principal enemy.' Additionally, frequent U.S. strategic nuclear deployments in the region have been cited as provoking factors.

(With inputs from agencies.)