North Korea Accuses South Korea of Multiple Drone Incursions, Threatens “High Price” Countermeasures
Updated (3 articles)
Jan 4 Drone Tracked, Forced Down Near Kaesong North Korean forces said a South‑origin drone entered Korean airspace over Ganghwa County, Incheon, and was pursued with electronic‑warfare assets until it crashed about 1,200 m from Muksan‑ri on the Kaesong outskirts [1][2][3]. The drone allegedly carried surveillance equipment, flew roughly 156 km, and remained aloft for more than three hours before being neutralized [1][2]. Pyongyang framed the event as a sovereignty violation and announced readiness to respond with “countermeasures.” [3]
Sept 27 Drone From Paju Also Intercepted The North claimed a second unmanned aircraft launched from Paju crossed into its airspace on Sept 27, 2025, penetrated Phyongsan County, and was struck by electronic means, crashing in Jangphung County near Kaesong [2][1]. This earlier incursion was presented as part of a pattern of provocations targeting low‑altitude radar zones and anti‑drone installations [2]. Both incidents were said to aim at recording “major North Korean objects” with onboard cameras [1].
Pyongyang Issues Stark Warnings and Calls for Dialogue In statements released on Jan 10, the Korean People’s Army labeled Seoul the “most hostile enemy” and warned that South Korea must be prepared to pay a “dear price” for its “un‑pardonable hysteria” [1][2]. While condemning the drones as hostile acts, the North also urged renewed dialogue, suggesting that continued provocations could trigger escalated military responses [1][3]. The rhetoric signals a hardening stance despite occasional diplomatic overtures from Seoul.
Claims Remain Unverified Amid Heightened Tensions Both Korean media outlets note that independent verification of the drone incidents has not been provided, leaving the factual accuracy of Pyongyang’s assertions open to question [2]. South Korean officials have not publicly confirmed the incursions, and the broader context includes ongoing inter‑Korean negotiations and mutual accusations of military provocations [1][3].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap : North Korea Accuses South Korea of Drone Incursions, Warns Seoul Will Pay a High Price: details Jan 4 and Sept drone events, describes electronic‑warfare interception, and issues a high‑price warning.
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[2]
Yonhap : N Korea Accuses S Korea of Drone Incursions, Warns of High Price: repeats Jan 4 and Sept 27 incidents, adds that drones passed over radar zones, and notes lack of independent verification.
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[3]
Yonhap : North Korea Accuses South Korea of Drone Incursion, Vows Countermeasures: focuses on Jan 4 drone forced to land near Muksan‑ri, emphasizes sovereignty violation, and threatens countermeasures.
Timeline
Sep 27, 2025 – North Korea says a drone that takes off from Paju, South Korea, infiltrates Phyongsan County, is struck by electronic means and crashes in Jangphung County near Kaesong. Pyongyang claims the unmanned aircraft carries surveillance devices, flies for more than three hours and covers about 156 km, presenting the event as part of a pattern of South Korean provocations [1].
Jan 4, 2026 – North Korean forces track a drone that flies northward over Ganghwa County, Incheon, and use electronic‑warfare assets to force it to land near Muksan‑ri on the outskirts of Kaesong. State media reports the drone is equipped with surveillance equipment, remains airborne for roughly three hours and travels 156 km before being downed, labeling the act a “sovereignty violation” [1][2][3].
Jan 9, 2026 – KCNA issues a formal accusation that South Korea conducts hostile drone incursions and declares Seoul “the most hostile enemy” that “cannot be changed.” The agency vows “countermeasures” and warns that the South Korean military “will be forced to pay a dear price for its unpardonable hysteria” [3].
Jan 10, 2026 – North Korean officials repeat the accusations, stating that Seoul must be “prepared to pay a high price for the provocation.” They frame the January and September drone incidents as evidence of continued aggression after the South Korean government change, call for renewed dialogue, and threaten escalation if provocations persist [1][2].