The Joint Chiefs of Staff *(JCS) reported on Tuesday that North Korea continues to deploy troops north of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) for border demarcation operations.
During a routine press briefing, JCS spokesperson Maj. Gen. Jang Do-young addressed inquiries about the progress of North Korea’s border activities. He stated that North Korean forces are currently engaged in various operations along the border region, including fortification work, tactical road construction, and other related activities.
The JCS confirmed that North Korea resumed operations near the MDL in early March after a pause in December last year.
In a previous briefing on March 30, Maj. Gen. Jang had noted that North Korea is currently deploying substantial forces at multiple forward locations, conducting activities such as deforestation, maintenance of supply routes, and fortification work.
When pressed about the extent of North Korea’s progress, Maj. Gen. Jang was cautious, saying that they’re limited in the ability to discuss specific progress rates.
Since nullifying the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement in November 2023 and declaring a two-state status in December, North Korea has persistently attempted to physically separate itself from South Korea. Their actions include erecting barbed wire fences north of the MDL, dismantling streetlights and railway tracks along the East Coast Line, and reportedly laying mines in areas connecting the two Koreas.
Last year, North Korean military operations began in March and resulted in over ten violations of the MDL by December. The South Korean military has responded to these incursions with warning broadcasts and warning shots.