North Korea border troops on high alert after drone provocation

North Korea briefly ordered its troops along the South Korean border to stand ready to fire after accusing Seoul of sending drones into its capital Pyongyang in what it called a “war provocation.”

The general staff of North Korea’s army directed artillery units over the weekend to “get fully ready to open fire” for an immediate strike on enemy targets if a similar infiltration recurs, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday.

The order was issued on Oct. 12 and was active until Oct. 13, according to the statement.

North Korea claims that Seoul sent drones into Pyongyang three times this month, scattering leaflets denouncing the Kim Jong Un regime.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it is monitoring North Korea’s activities and is ready to counter any provocations. It has declined to say whether it sent drones across the border.

North Korea has sent thousands of trash-laden balloons across the border since late May in a show of anger at South Korea’s joint military drills with the US and other acts at the border, which Pyongyang has long said represents a threat to its sovereignty.

The balloons have been a nuisance for Seoul and surrounding areas, with some causing fires.