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North Korea Deploys 122mm Howitzers Near South Korean Border

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 6:33 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

North Korea Deploys Howitzers

North Korea deployed 122-mm self-propelled howitzers near the border on 26 October 2026.
Reuters observed the howitzers pointing south and soldiers constructing a fence.
The UN envoy sent a 25 October 2026 letter accusing Seoul of fabricating the 21 September DMZ land-mine blast.
Professor Lim Eul-chul warned the artillery display signals North Korea’s intent to enforce its policy force.
Seoul proposed talks and said its forces fire shots when North Korea troops cross the MDL.

Summary

Kim Jong Un Visits

Kim Jong Un crossed the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge into Dandong, China, on 24 October 2026.
He met Wang Huning, who conveyed President Xi Jinping’s greetings.
They toured a Korean War memorial and a local auto factory, pledging deeper cooperation.
Analysts say the bridge removes a logistics bottleneck, likely increasing bilateral trade.
Lu Chao noted the bridge will enable 24-hour container traffic.

History

Historical Context

In November 2010, North Korea fired 155-mm artillery at South Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island, killing eight civilians and prompting a UN Security Council condemnation. The Korean People’s Army deployed roughly 200 howitzers, while the United States Seventh Fleet dispatched two destroyers, and Seoul mobilized 30,000 troops in response. That artillery showdown mirrors the 2026 deployment of 122-mm self-propelled howitzers near the DMZ and Kim Jong Un’s bridge crossing to Dandong, both signaling renewed pressure on Seoul and courting China. Consequently, regional powers now brace for intensified border militarization and expanded Sino-North Korean trade routes, echoing the 2010 escalation’s lasting security ripple.

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North Korea Deploys Howitzers

North Korea deployed 122-mm self-propelled howitzers near the border on 26 October 2026.
Reuters observed the howitzers pointing south and soldiers constructing a fence.
The UN envoy sent a 25 October 2026 letter accusing Seoul of fabricating the 21 September DMZ land-mine blast.
Professor Lim Eul-chul warned the artillery display signals North Korea’s intent to enforce its policy force.
Seoul proposed talks and said its forces fire shots when North Korea troops cross the MDL.

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