Seoul: North Korea said on Wednesday it would permanently close its border with South Korea. North Korea has also said that it will strengthen the defense position of its front to deal with South Korean and American forces in the event of a conflict. However, North Korea has not announced a constitutional amendment to codify new national boundaries, formally declaring South Korea its principal enemy.
'Strategy to create pressure'
The moves appear to be a pressure tactic on North Korea's part, but it is unclear what impact it will have on relations with South Korea, as cross-border travel and exchanges have been halted for years. The North's military said on Wednesday it would “completely cut off road and rail links” with South Korea and “will send information to all concerned on its side”, according to North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Will strengthen the areas with strong defense structures.
'Step taken in self-defense'
North Korea's military has described the move as “a step taken in self-defense with the intention of preventing war and security.” “Enemy forces are becoming more reckless in their frenzy of confrontation,” the military said, citing various war exercises in South Korea, US strategic deployment on the Korean Peninsula and tough rhetoric by rival countries.
North Korea Border Area
What did South Korea say?
South Korean officials had earlier said that North Korea has been erecting anti-tank barriers on its border since April and increasing the deployment of troops on border roads. He said that North Korea probably did this to strengthen its frontline security position and to prevent its soldiers and civilians from crossing into South Korea. (AP)
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