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North Korea has criticized the United States and South Korea for increasing reconnaissance activities near the inter-Korean border.

The North Korean defense ministry accused the US of conducting numerous reconnaissance flights over the Korean peninsula between May 13 and 24. Vice Defense Minister Kim Gang Il reported that at least 16 US strategic reconnaissance planes, including RC-135 and U-2S models, as well as an RQ-4B drone, had flown over the area during this period.

In addition to the aerial surveillance, Kim accused South Korea’s navy and coast guard of exacerbating military tensions by intensifying their patrol activities, often crossing the maritime border. He also condemned the sending of propaganda leaflets via balloons from South Korea, labeling it a “dangerous provocation.” These balloons, launched by defectors and activists, often carry anti-Pyongyang messages along with food, medicine, money, mini radios, and USB sticks filled with South Korean news and dramas.

Kim warned that the US and South Korean air forces’ continuous reconnaissance efforts, which he compared to wartime operations, pose a severe threat to North Korea’s sovereignty and security. He stated, “Even now, the US and South Korean puppet air forces are continuously mobilizing various aircraft with little or no time gap throughout the day, carrying out aerial reconnaissance activities at a level comparable to wartime situations.” 

Kim warned that North Korea would respond promptly to any infringement on its national sovereignty and security, adding, “We will act immediately when the nation’s sovereignty and security interests are violated.”