Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has alleged that Pyongyang's warplanes successfully repelled a US spy plane flying over nearby waters on Monday.
She issued a stern warning, cautioning that there would be "shocking" consequences if the United States continues its reconnaissance activities in the area.
However, both the US and South Korea have dismissed North Korea's accusations and urged the nation to avoid any actions or rhetoric that could further escalate tensions.
While North Korea has made similar threats in the past regarding alleged US reconnaissance activities, this latest statement comes after a period of increased animosity following North Korea's recent series of missile tests.
Kim Yo-jong, who holds a prominent position in North Korea's foreign policy apparatus, claimed that the US spy plane had entered the country's eastern exclusive economic zone on eight separate occasions on Monday. In a statement carried by state media, she further asserted that North Korea had scrambled its warplanes to chase away the intruding aircraft.
Kim Yo-jong warned that a "shocking incident" could occur in the long run if the US spy planes continue to intrude into North Korea's economic water zone, particularly in the 20-40 kilometer section. North Korea's defense ministry had earlier accused the US of flying a strategic reconnaissance plane into its "inviolable airspace" multiple times and cautioned that approaching aircraft might be shot down. However, the US has denied these claims, emphasizing its commitment to flying and operating in accordance with international law.
In response to the escalating tensions, the US State Department called for North Korea to refrain from "escalatory actions" and engage in serious diplomacy. South Korea's joint chiefs of staff also denied the US flying any spy plane into North Korean territory, stating that the US was conducting standard reconnaissance activities in coordination with South Korea's military.
Kim Yo-jong issued another statement on Tuesday, asserting that the intensifying US reconnaissance activities were encroaching on North Korea's sovereignty. She warned that US forces would face critical consequences if they continue their actions.
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