Military authorities have determined that recent explosions heard in the coastal area north of Ganghwa Island are likely related to North Korean military efforts to reinforce coastal defense facilities.
During a regular briefing on the 13th, Jang Do-young, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated, "Explosions have been continuously heard in the North Korean coastal area north of the neutral zone at the Han River estuary near Ganghwa Island."
He added, "We believe the North Korean military is strengthening its coastal defense facilities, and we are closely monitoring related developments."
Previously, Japan's NHK reported that explosions, believed to be part of fortification work, were observed in a North Korean area near Kaesong, just north of Ganghwa Island.
A resident in his 60s living on Ganghwa Island told NHK that the blasting operations seem to be progressing slowly from east to west, saying, "The sound is incredibly loud because of the proximity. I have lived here for over 60 years, but this is the first time I've experienced something like this."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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