South Korea accused of flying drones over Pyongyang ‘carrying propaganda against the regime’

North Korea has accused South Korea of ​​flying drones “filled with hateful slander” over its capital.

North Korea’s foreign ministry said drones carrying anti-regime propaganda had violated its airspace three times in recent weeks, warning it would respond with “all means of attack” if the raids continue.

Citing the North’s foreign ministry, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Friday that the South had sent drones into Pyongyang’s airspace on October 3, and again on Wednesday and Thursday of this week

Pyongyang said the alleged incursion was an “irresponsible and dangerous” provocation that could lead to “armed conflict and even war.”

“This incursion into our airspace is a serious crime that violates our sovereignty,” the North’s foreign ministry said. “South Korea has chosen its own destruction. It is hastening its downfall.”

South Korea denied sending the drones and said it would review whether the propaganda leaflets were sent by private organizations.

According to local media, Kim Yong-hyun, South Korea’s defense minister, said: “We have not done this. I am not aware of the situation.”

It comes as relations between the two countries are at one of their lowest points in years, with Kim Jong-un declaring South Korea his “main enemy” earlier this year.

Despite official efforts to prevent them, South Korean activists have flown balloons containing propaganda leaflets and US dollars across the border for years as a tactic to anger Pyongyang.

In response, Pyongyang has sent thousands of balloons filled with garbage and waste paper to South Korea. Seoul, in turn, broadcast propaganda and K-pop music across the border through loudspeakers.

Yonhap reported that Pyongyang sent a new round of balloons carrying the garbage late Friday.

Friday’s KCNA statement comes days after the North’s military said it would “permanently close and block the southern border” with South Korea.

The North has also increased weapons tests and issued repeated threats against the South in recent months.

Seoul warned that it would not tolerate any attempt to alter the status quo and would “crushingly punish” Pyongyang if it initiates any provocations.

To counter increased military activity in the North, Seoul has increased the frequency of joint military exercises with the United States, its main defense partner.

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