North Korea has placed its artillery on full alert near the border and reinforced air defense systems in Pyongyang in response to potential South Korean drone incursions into the capital, according to Yonhap via Ukrinform.
On October 12, the General Staff of the Korean People's Army issued an order for artillery units near the border to be on full fire readiness.
The directive required eight fully armed artillery brigades to be ready to fire by 8:00 p.m. on October 13.
The order also instructed the military to prepare for potential confrontations, stating that any South Korean drone crossing the border should be shot down, even if it risks escalating into an armed conflict.
Air defense units in Pyongyang were told to heighten their vigilance.
North Korea has accused South Korea of sending drones into Pyongyang on October 3, 9, and 10, allegedly dropping propaganda leaflets.
South Korea, however, has not confirmed these incidents.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned of a "terrible catastrophe" if such drone incursions continue.
In response, South Korea's defense ministry stated that any North Korean action causing harm would mark "the end of the North Korean regime."
