North Korea Threatens to Shoot Down US Spy Planes Violating Its Airspace
North Korea has issued a warning, threatening to shoot down US spy planes that violate its airspace. The country’s Ministry of National Defence accused the United States of conducting intensified espionage activities beyond the wartime level. According to North Korean officials, US spy aircraft have been making provocative flights over the region for eight consecutive days, with one reconnaissance plane intruding into the country’s airspace over the East Sea multiple times. The ministry’s spokesperson stated that such actions could lead to a shocking accident, similar to the downing of a US Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane in the East Sea of Korea. They further warned that the United States would be held responsible for its frantically staged air espionage.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, stated that a US spy aircraft had violated the country’s airspace twice on Monday morning alone. She added that while the North would not respond directly to US surveillance activities outside of its exclusive economic zone, it would take decisive action if the US military crossed its maritime military demarcation line. Kim Yo Jong also issued a separate warning, stating that the US military would face significant consequences in case of a new intrusion by a US aircraft.
The statement released by the KCNA (Korean Central News Agency) criticized the planned deployment of US strategic nuclear assets to the Korean peninsula. North Korea labeled it as the most undisguised nuclear blackmail against the country, posing a grave threat to regional and global security. The statement emphasized that the current situation was bringing the Korean peninsula closer to the threshold of a nuclear conflict due to provocative military actions by the United States.
In response to North Korea’s defiance of international sanctions, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has strengthened defense cooperation with Washington. Joint military exercises involving advanced stealth jets and powerful US strategic assets have been conducted to counter North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile threats. President Yoon is set to attend a NATO summit in Lithuania this week, hoping to establish stronger cooperation with NATO members regarding the issue of North Korea.
It is evident that tension between North Korea and the United States continues to escalate. The ongoing surveillance activities and military posturing are heightening the risk of a potential conflict on the Korean peninsula. Both sides must exercise caution and explore diplomatic solutions to de-escalate the situation. International cooperation and dialogue are crucial in maintaining regional and global stability, ensuring the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
