Tensions are soaring on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea is threatening war with the South over drone flights near Pyongyang. Seoul says it is prepared for war should conflict break out. 

On Monday, a spokesman for North Korea said tensions have reached a “grave touch-and-go” level. Pyongyang emphasized that this is “due to [South Korea’s] wanton violation of the sovereignty of [North Korea] with infiltrations of drones into its capital city.” Pyongyang is accusing Seoul of operating three drones in Pyongyang and dropping leaflets that insult the North Korean government. 

“There is a high possibility of [South Korea’s] additional drone infiltration into our airspace above the border and the capital city,” the officials explained. North Korea “conducted relevant undertakings to fully prepare units at all levels for coping with any developments of [the] situation…and it is impossible to rule out the possibility of an ensuing extended armed conflict.”

The statement added that the North Korean military command placed “artillery units along the border and the units taking on an important firepower task to get fully ready to open fire.” Seoul did not confirm or deny that one of its drones had flown to Pyongyang. 

The South Korean military responded to the North Korean statement, saying Seoul was “fully ready” for an attack from Pyongyang. The South Korean military command ordered its border forces to respond to any North Korean fire. 

To prepare for the conflict, Pyongyang has ordered the destruction of some roads in North Korea connecting the peninsula’s two sides. 

Ramping up its military readiness for a potential war, Seoul conducted a test strike using its long-range Taurus cruise missile. 

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have ratcheted up throughout the Joe Biden administration. The White House has claimed that it’s open to talks with Pyongyang, although Washington has increased its military posture in the region, provoking Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.

Washington’s formation of a military bloc between South Korea, Japan, and other Asia-Pacific nations is of particular concern to Pyongyang.