North Korea blows up roads connecting it to the South
The roads have long been shuttered, but destroying them sends a clear message that Kim is not prepared to negotiate with the South, experts said.
"This is a practical military measure related to the hostile dual-state system that North Korea has frequently mentioned," Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.
The North may also be looking to erect more physical barriers along the border, Yang said, adding that the road detonations could be "preparatory work for its construction of those walls".
South Korea's military released video footage showing North Korean soldiers in military uniforms setting up what appeared to be cameras on tripods ahead of a huge explosion, which blew up sections of the Gyeongui road.
The explosion emitted thick, billowing smoke and took place amid lush forests. More footage, apparently from after the blasts, showed excavators digging, while North Koreans in military uniforms worked as large red trucks arrived.
The Seoul military also released separate footage showing North Korea blowing up a section of the Donghae road, on the east coast.
South Korea's unification ministry slammed the North for what it called an "extremely abnormal" provocation, adding that Seoul had shouldered millions in costs for building the infrastructure.
"North Korea still has repayment obligations regarding this funding," it added.
- Drone denial -
