North Korean state security agents in North Hamgyong province have been ordered to strengthen border defense due to complex international developments.<\/p>\n
A source in the province told Daily NK recently that the Central Committee instructed the provincial state security bureau on the morning of May 6 to monitor closely for any suspicious activities near the border.<\/p>\n
The instructions referenced the complicated situation in other countries, including South Korea’s upcoming presidential election.<\/p>\n
The source summarized the Central Committee’s analysis: “Lee Jae-myung, a member of Moon Jae-in’s party, is likely to become president in early June. However, the Korean puppet state has recently been in turmoil due to lingering elements of Yoon Suk-yeol’s puppet party, raising the possibility of another democratization upheaval. During such times, state security bureaus must be especially vigilant in border defense and counterespionage.”<\/p>\n
“The instructions also mentioned concerning geopolitical trends involving the U.S., China, and Russia, emphasizing the need for rigorous border security measures,” the source added.<\/p>\n
After receiving these directives, the provincial state security bureau launched a secret two-week training program designed to address the current situation, beginning in the early hours of May 8.<\/p>\n
According to the source, the provincial state security bureau is conducting surprise drills with border guard units, including the installation of high-voltage barbed wire along the border.<\/p>\n
The state security bureau is also expanding minefields and placing nail-studded boards in strategic locations.<\/p>\n
“The provincial state security bureau has ordered that workers on these projects be selected discreetly and housed separately. They aren’t permitted to return home for now to ensure their work remains secret, following the principle of preventing any foreign spies or potential defectors from crossing the border,” the source said.<\/p>\n
The provincial state security bureau has also directed state security departments in border cities and counties to ensure local residents remain alert.<\/p>\n
The bureau has instructed locals to watch for suspicious activities across the border in China, such as people observing an area for extended periods or camera flashes that might indicate photography. Such behaviors could signal spies posing as tourists or ordinary citizens, according to the bureau.<\/p>\n
The source also noted that leaders of neighborhood watch units, street patrols, and night watchmen were instructed to submit detailed daily reports of any unusual activities to the state security department.<\/p>\n