North Korea Digs Trenches in the DMZ

Recent satellite imagery indicates North Korea has constructed sizable trenches across roads and rail lines in the Demilitarized Zone near the South Korean border. These trenches appeared after North Korea deliberately destroyed northern portions of cross-border routes. Satellite photos captured by Planet Labs show the trenches in the western section of the DMZ.

Initial signs of this construction emerged after North Korea's choreographed explosions near Kaesong on October 15. The western trench, located a mile from Dorasan Station, is about 400 feet long and 20 feet wide; the eastern trench spans closer to 500 feet. What appeared to be earth-moving vehicles were observed at both sites.

"The purpose of the trench and dirt is unclear beyond it being some type of blockade that is intended to sever the transportation links. The mound could be part of the barrier, or it could be a temporary product of the construction work," said analysts with 38North. They suggested the presence of trucks at the sites meant the work was not finished. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)