North Korea prepares military assets at border with South Korea

North Korea has announced it will place military vehicles and loudspeaker systems at its border with South Korea on combat readiness. Kim Yo-jong, sister of the North Korean leader, stated that the country will respond proportionately to any actions from Seoul that increase tensions.

Kim Yo-jong emphasized that transforming the border into a fortified “fortress” is intended to reduce the risk of military clashes. This follows an incident in September 2026 involving landmine explosions in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that injured three South Korean soldiers, an event Seoul attributed to North Korea.

North Korea has previously rejected such accusations, labeling them provocations. The announcement follows a period of fluctuating tensions, including South Korea's decision in June 2025 to cease propaganda broadcasts via loudspeakers along the border.