North Korean Soldiers Arm Themselves with Pistols in the JSA

North Korean Soldiers in Panmunjom Carry pistols

There are numerous reports about North Korean soldiers stationed at the JSA who are now armed with pistols.

Yonhap News confirmed on the 28th that North Korean soldiers working in the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom are now armed with pistols.

North Korea has completely abolished the 9·19 South-North Military Agreement. They also scrapped the JSA disarmament under the military agreement after restoring the frontline observation posts (GPs). They previously demolished the guard posts in 2018.

Multiple South Korean and U.S. military sources report that North Korean JSA guards have been carrying pistols since late last week. South Korean JSA guards remain disarmed.

North Korea declared the complete abolition of the 9·19 Military Agreement the day after the South Korean government suspended the effect of the “no-fly zone” on the 22nd as a countermeasure to their military reconnaissance satellite launch.

Since the 24th, North Korea has deployed troops to 11 GPs, which the 9·19 Military Agreement had demolished or withdrawn, and has set up observation posts, built fortifications, and brought in heavy weapons such as recoilless rifles.

There has also been a surge in the opening of gates of North Korean tunnel-type coastal guns in the Northern Limit Line (NLL) area in the West Sea.

Response to South Korean Government’s Actions

Jeon Ha nGyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular briefing today, “Our military will closely monitor North Korea’s trends and take corresponding measures” in response to North Korea’s moves to restore military measures under the 9·19 Military Agreement.

Lee Sung Jun, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s public affairs office, also said, “North Korea has declared the complete abolition of the 9·19 Military Agreement and has been taking some restoration measures since November 24th,” adding that “South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are monitoring North Korea’s activities and considering corresponding countermeasures.”

Director Lee avoided a direct answer when asked about countermeasures and stated, “We will gradually implement necessary measures.”

By. Kang Bo Ra