Escalation of Rhetoric and Military Preparedness
North Korea's Defense Ministry announced readiness to launch strikes on , attributing the escalation to South Korean drones allegedly dropping leaflets over .
The North issued a preliminary operation order to its front-line units, emphasizing grave military tensions and the potential for immediate strikes against South Korea if drones are detected again.
International and Domestic Responses
South Korea has not confirmed drone deployments but warned of stern punishment if its citizens' safety is threatened, indicating a defensive posture.
North Korea's criticized South Korea's vague military statements as evidence of complicity in the drone incident, warning of a "terrible calamity" upon further drone sightings.