19 Nov 2024 | 03:36 PM UTC
South Korea: Additional air and maritime traffic disruptions possible across the Yellow Sea as of Nov. 19 due to alleged signal jamming by Pyongyang /update 1
Air and maritime traffic disruptions possible across Yellow Sea as of Nov. 19 amid allegations of GPS signal jamming by North Korea.
Additional air and maritime disruptions are possible across the Yellow Sea as of Nov. 19. South Korean officials reported similar disruptions Nov. 5 and Nov. 8-17, alleging GPS jamming actions originating from the Haeju and Kaesong areas of North Korea. Affected areas in South Korea include northern parts of Gangwon and Gyeonggi provinces. The action has reportedly impacted dozens of civilian aircraft and multiple ships, though military operations remain unaffected. South Korean officials have also reported noise projection and garbage balloons in border regions in recent days. Similar disruptions may recur or last for prolonged periods in the coming days. Additional projectile launches by North Korea are also possible over the coming weeks, potentially exacerbating flight and shipping disruptions.
Reconfirm flights and shipping schedules if operating in the affected area. Heed all official instructions, including embassy advisories.
North Korea recently conducted missile launches on Sept. 18 and Oct. 31. The Oct. 31 missile launch is notable for having the longest known flight time of North Korea's missile launches, lasting 86 minutes. The recent missile testing comes after North Korea detonated explosions to destroy roads connecting to South Korea Oct. 15, prompting the South Korean military to fire warning shots near the Military Demarcation Line.
North Korea's recent actions do not indicate a prelude to armed conflict; rather, they are in line with South Korean officials' prediction of increased provocation by North Korea ahead of, and immediately after the US presidential election. North Korea will likely continue projectile launches and other limited provocations like cyberattacks in the coming months. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.
