Cross-Border Tensions Escalate: Drones and Leaflets Fly Over Korea

North Korea has accused South Korea of using drones to spread anti-North leaflets over Pyongyang. South Korea denies the claims while acknowledging similar provocations by the North. The tensions have intensified with both countries exchanging balloons carrying propaganda materials, amid lingering war-era disputes.

In a new spiral of escalating tensions, North Korea has accused South Korea of deploying drones to disseminate anti-regime leaflets over its capital, Pyongyang. The allegation, described by the North as a military provocation, poses the risk of igniting a conflict between the two heavily militarized neighbors.

However, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff have refuted the claims as Pyongyang propaganda, noting the North's own practice of sending balloons laden with trash into its southern neighbor's airspace. The dispute resurrects the countries' longstanding animosities, dating back to their 1950-53 war.

The North has responded by threatening immediate retaliatory action against any future incursions. Meanwhile, blurry images purportedly showing the described drone activity were released by North Korea, adding another layer to the mounting suspicions and accusations from both sides.

(With inputs from agencies.)