South Korea Drone Infiltration Denial 2026: Defense Ministry Refutes Pyongyang's Claims
On Jan 10, 2026, South Korea officially denied North Korea's claims of drone incursions. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back refuted the allegations, citing different equipment models.
Handshakes are given, but fists remain clenched. Jan. 10, 2026, South Korea's defense chief dismissed North Korea's allegations of drone incursions as a total fabrication, sparking a fresh round of cross-border tensions.
South Korea Drone Infiltration Denial 2026: Minister Ahn's Rebuttal
According to Yonhap News Agency, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that the drones shown in photos released by the North are "absolutely not" models operated by the South Korean military. Ahn highlighted the internal sensitivity of the current period, questioning how the military could conduct such operations while the "nightmare of martial law" remains a recent memory. He confirmed that no flight operations were conducted by the Drone Operation Command or major ground units on the dates cited by Pyongyang.
Investigation Into Potential Civilian Involvement
While the military denies official involvement, the Ministry of National Defense hasn't ruled out the possibility of civilian-operated drones crossing the border. Deputy Defense Minister Kim Hong-cheol emphasized that Seoul has no intention of provoking the North and remains committed to easing inter-Korean tensions. Meanwhile, the Unification Ministry convened an emergency meeting to address the North's "hostile" rhetoric and find ways to restore trust.
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