North Korea has significantly expanded its defensive fortifications along the entire Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) since June of this year.
NK Pro, a subsidiary of the U.S.-based North Korea specialist media outlet NK News, reported on Thursday that satellite imagery from Planet Labs revealed North Korea’s construction of new defensive lines in key DMZ areas. This activity occurred in two phases: from April to June last year, and from June to November this year.
These efforts involved substantial deforestation in the DMZ region and the installation of new protective barriers, fences, and anti-tank obstacles at strategic locations. Most of these fortifications were erected near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), with some positioned directly adjacent to it.
The initial phase of construction, from April to June, covered about 68 km (42 miles) across various sectors. The second phase, from June to November, extended the combined length of fortified sections to roughly 87 km (54 miles).
This military buildup follows North Korea’s adoption of what it calls the “two Koreas” policy, announced during the Workers’ Party plenary meeting in December 2023 and reaffirmed at the Supreme People’s Assembly in January. While Pyongyang has expressed a desire to enshrine this policy in its constitution, no official amendments have been confirmed. NK Pro analysts suggested that the strengthening of defensive lines may be linked to potential new constitutional provisions concerning territorial claims.
On November 17, South Korea proposed military talks to redefine the MDL sections, but North Korea has not responded. Experts believe Pyongyang’s silence may stem from concerns that engaging in talks could force them to abandon some of their desired defensive positions, especially given the frequent warnings they receive from South Korean forces for MDL violations during the reconstruction process.