North Korean self-propelled artillery systems, likely of 122 mm calibre, were recorded near the border with South Korea on the western axis.
Journalists from Yonhap spotted the equipment on 25 October from the Aegibong observatory in the South Korean city of Gimpo.
It is known that the self-propelled artillery systems were positioned in the coastal part of Kaepung County on North Korean territory. The guns’ barrels were pointed towards South Korea.
North Korean servicemen were near the equipment, raising and lowering red flags, likely during exercises.
The Aegibong observatory is located about 1.5 km from North Korean territory. From there, observers have repeatedly watched the construction of border fortifications in the past, including fences and roads.
Self-propelled artillery has only recently begun to be spotted from this site, Yonhap reports.
122 mm self-propelled artillery systems are one of the main means of firepower used by North Korean forces deployed near the border. According to the agency, the firing range of such systems is approximately 15–24 km.
Shin Jong-woo, Secretary General of the Korea Defence and Security Forum (KODEF), believes that the open placement of artillery in front of border barriers may be a show of force aimed at heightening tensions.
In his assessment, the forward deployment of artillery units may be linked to earlier statements by Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, about deploying additional tactical strike assets along the border.
On 21 October, Kim Yo-jong announced the deployment of new units to firing positions.
- Amid the escalation, on 23 October South Korea proposed holding talks with North Korea. Seoul wants to clarify the course of the demarcation line, restore military communication channels, and prevent accidental clashes.