North Korean Troops, Ships Detected at South Korea Border

North Korean troops retake previously vacated guard posts

North Korea’s threats to move troops toward the demilitarized zone (DMZ) were made good on, as reports from US surveillance plans now say that the North Koreans not only have troops at the border, but have also moved ships into areas along the disputed maritime border.

South Korea confirmed reports of the situation, and say they are keeping an eye on the matter, though they note that no direct military action has been confirmed. US reconnaissance overflights seem to be on the rise.

This comes after North Korea destroyed the Kaesong liaison office earlier this week, and seems to be driven by anger over defectors to South Korea sending propaganda leaflets north. Such incidents with leaflets are common flashpoints for short-term flareups.

South Korea has suggested exchanging envoys to meet and discuss this situation, but have been shot down. A conflict wouldn’t benefit anybody, but North Korea seems to believe they need another major show of force right now amid stalled diplomacy.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.