North Korea has recently confirmed the deployment of self-propelled artillery close to the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), amid warnings of increased firepower along the western front. On the morning of October 25, photos taken by Yonhap News from the Aegibong Observatory in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, captured what is believed to be North Korean 122mm self-propelled guns positioned in the coastal area of Kaepung County.
The artillery bore a slogan reading, "Destroy the U.S. imperialist invaders, the sworn enemies of the Korean people!" Nearby, several North Korean soldiers were seen engaging in training exercises, raising and lowering red flags.
The Aegibong Observatory, located approximately 1.5 kilometers from North Korean territory, offers a vantage point to observe activities such as the so-called "border fortification" efforts by North Korean forces. This site has previously recorded instances of North Korean troops constructing tactical roads and barbed wire fences, but the sighting of artillery is a recent development.
The 122mm self-propelled guns are a key component of North Korea's artillery forces, typically deployed in large numbers at the front lines, with a range estimated between 15 to 24 kilometers.
It is common for artillery units to utilize terrain features for concealment and protection from enemy observation and attack. The proximity of North Korean self-propelled guns to the South Korean media's telephoto cameras is unusual.
On October 20, Marine Corps Commander Kim Joon-hyun mentioned during a National Assembly audit that there have been several changes in the North Korean 4th Corps area near the northwest islands. He noted that the military is enhancing its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and maintaining a state of readiness.
South Korean military authorities reported that they have detected approximately 900 instances of explosive sounds attributed to North Korean forces near the front lines this year, most likely related to border fortification activities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.