South Korea Denies Any Role in North Korea Drone Incursions
South Korea's defense ministry categorically denies military involvement in recent drone flights.
South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has issued a strong denial regarding North Korea's accusations of military drone incursions across the inter-Korean border. Officials stated that the South Korean military was not responsible for any drone operations that allegedly violated North Korean airspace, directly countering claims made by Pyongyang. The defense ministry emphasized that it has no intention of provoking or escalating tensions with the North.
The denial came in response to statements from Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who demanded a detailed explanation from Seoul about the drone incidents. While acknowledging the South's official position as a "wise choice" that avoided immediate provocation, Kim Yo-jong insisted that drones originating from South Korean territory clearly breached North Korean sovereignty, regardless of who operated them.
South Korean authorities suggested that if any drones did cross the border, they were likely operated by private individuals or civilian groups rather than state forces. The ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining stability on the peninsula and called for calm amid the heightened rhetoric from Pyongyang. No evidence has been presented by North Korea that conclusively links the alleged incidents to the South Korean military.
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The exchange highlights the fragile state of inter-Korean relations, with both sides trading accusations while avoiding direct military escalation. South Korea's clear denial aims to prevent miscalculation and reduce the risk of further confrontation along the heavily fortified border. Defense officials continue to monitor the situation closely while urging restraint from all parties.
As tensions remain elevated, the focus now shifts to whether North Korea will provide concrete evidence to support its claims or pursue additional diplomatic channels. South Korea has maintained that its policy is defensive in nature and that it will respond proportionately to any verified provocation, while continuing to deny any role in the reported drone activities.
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