On October 9, the Korean Central News Agency reported that the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army issued a statement announcing the complete severance of road and rail connections with South Korea, effective immediately.
In detailing the rationale behind this decision, the statement pointed out that areas in South Korea adjacent to northern territories are frequently engaged in provocative military drills and are host to American nuclear strategic assets that North Korea perceives as a direct threat. It also emphasized the aggressive rhetoric from some South Korean leaders, who have publicly called for an “end to the North Korean regime.” Given the current tense military environment on the Korean Peninsula, the North Korean military felt it necessary to implement more stringent countermeasures to ensure national security.
The statement specified that due to what it referred to as an “imminent war crisis” along its southern borders, the General Staff announced a series of significant military actions aimed at completely isolating North Korean jurisdictions from South Korean territory. The immediate priority was to halt all road and rail connections with South Korea while enhancing defensive installations. This initiative was framed as a self-defense measure, designed to deter conflict and protect North Korea’s security.
Additionally, the statement disclosed that to minimize misunderstandings and reduce the risk of accidental clashes, the North Korean military reached out to U.S. forces via phone at 9:45 AM on the same day to communicate these developments.
