North Korea Escalates Tensions with Stringent Border Measures

North Korea has announced permanent border closures and new defense structures in response to perceived threats from South Korean and US forces. Despite heightened tensions and provocative military actions, the impact on inter-Korean relations remains uncertain. North Korea's constitutional revisions and strategic military activities are viewed as pressure tactics.

North Korea on Wednesday declared its intention to permanently seal its border with South Korea and erect new frontline defense structures. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, this move comes amidst ongoing joint military exercises between South Korean and US forces.

The decision by North Korea has raised concerns about further deteriorating relations on the Korean Peninsula, where cross-border exchanges have been stagnant for years. The North's military justified its action as a self-defensive measure against what it perceives as reckless provocations from hostile forces, citing joint military exercises and strategic US deployments in South Korea.

South Korea, in a swift response, vowed to sternly counter any attempts to alter the status quo and reiterated its stance on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs as regional threats. Meanwhile, heightened military activities on both sides continue to escalate tensions in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)