The Last Step towards a Breakup: North Korea Cut Power Lines at the Border with South Korea.

North Korea has destroyed the power lines installed by South Korea to supply electricity to the closed industrial park in Kaesong. This was reported by Yonhap, citing South Korean military sources.

The military claims that this is 'the last step towards severing ties between North Korea and South Korea.'

The military observed North Korean soldiers dismantling some sections of the power lines that connect the poles along the Gyeongui Road. They note that North Korea has not yet dismantled the inactive power poles.

According to the agency, South Korea set up 48 power poles, including 15 in the north, to provide electricity to the now-closed Kaesong industrial complex. However, the power supply has been cut off since June 2020, when North Korea blew up the inter-Korean liaison office in the complex.

Expansion of a Key Manufacturing Complex

North Korea is reportedly expanding a key complex for weapons production, including short-range missiles. These missiles are supplied to Moscow by North Korea.

This facility, known as February 11 factory, is part of the 'Renson' machinery complex in Hamhung on North Korea's eastern coastline.

According to analysis by researchers from CNS, satellite images taken in early October by Planet Labs show a building under construction as well as a new residential complex, likely for workers. It is also probable that North Korea is improving the entrances to some underground facilities of the complex.

Oil Supplies from Russia

Since March 2024, Russia has supplied over a million barrels of oil to North Korea, likely in payment for military support. This was reported by BBC, citing data from the British research center Open Source Centre.