Tensions spiral as North blows up sections of inter-Korea roads

South's flying of leaflet-carrying drones over Pyongyang seen as crossing the line

- Wendy Teo

SEOUL - Days after threatening a "complete separation" from South Korea, North Korea has blown up some sections of inter-Korea roads, sparking concern among analysts that both sides might be moving closer towards a military clash.

The detonation took place at noon on Oct 15, nearly a week after Pyongyang's announcement on Oct 9 of its intention to do so, as part of its push for a "two-state" system scrapping its longstanding goal of unification.

North Korea has also accused the South of flying drones carrying propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang on three occasions - Oct 3, 9 and 10.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's powerful sister Kim Yo Jong has warned of a "horrible disaster" if South Korean drones are flown again into the North's territory.

While South Korea has previously sent propaganda leaflets to the North via balloons, this incident marks the first time it was done via drones.

In an Oct 14 statement carried by North Korea's state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Ms Kim blamed the US for the drone infiltration, saying: "If the sovereignty of a nuclear weapons state was violated by mongrels tamed by Yankees, the master of those dogs should be held accountable for this."

While North Korea is known for its strong language and aggressive reactions to provocations from the South, for the regime to involve the US shows that it is at the tipping point of heightened tensions and is signaling a hard red line, say analysts.