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1h ago

North Korea Demands Explanation Over Alleged South Korean Drone Incursions

Attribution remains unresolved, with experts noting the wreckage appears commercially built.

Fragments of a drone lie scattered on the ground in Muksan-ri area, Kaepung District, Kaesong City, North Korea, after North Korea said on Saturday that South Korea sent another drone into North Korean airspace on January 4, according to North Korean state media KCNA, in this picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on January 10, 2026. KCNA via REUTERS
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These images taken on January 4, 2026 and released as a combo image by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on January 10, 2026 shows an aerial view of Kaesong city, which North Korea claims is footage taken retrieved from a drone from South Korea that violated North Korean airspace. Seoul denies the allegation.
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Overview

  • KCNA said drones crossed from South Korea on Sept. 27, 2025 and Jan. 4, 2026, were brought down near Kaesong using electronic warfare, and carried recorded footage of North Korean sites.
  • South Korea’s defense minister denied military involvement, stated the models shown are not operated by its forces, and said no military drone flights occurred on the dates cited.
  • President Lee Jae Myung ordered a joint military‑police investigation, with officials examining whether civilians may have been responsible and acknowledging challenges detecting outbound low‑altitude flights.
  • Kim Yo-jong demanded a detailed explanation from Seoul, warned of severe consequences for any future provocations, and claimed the recovered video included a uranium mine, Kaesong facilities and border posts.
  • Analysts said the debris in North Korean photos resembles consumer‑grade components and the imagery appears of limited military value, reinforcing doubts that the aircraft were operated by South Korea’s armed forces.