Seoul warns of retaliation after North Korea threatens border buildup
Why it matters: The standoff revives loudspeaker warfare and raises the risk of clashes after mine blasts wounded three South Korean soldiers.
South Korea warned it would respond forcefully if North Korea follows through on threats to deploy more tactical weapons near the border and restart propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts. Pyongyang's warning, delivered by Kim Yo Jong, came after Seoul blamed North Korea for Sept. 21 mine blasts that injured three South Korean soldiers. South Korea's Defence Ministry said its warning shots and broadcasts near the Military Demarcation Line were defensive steps meant to stop incursions. The South's military says North Korean troops crossed the line about 50 times this year during fortification work, as Pyongyang added mines, barriers and other front-line defenses. Analysts said the latest threats increase the chance of a military clash along the heavily armed border.