Tensions escalate between South Korea and North Korea after latter destroys sections of inter-Korean road

In reaction to North Korea's attempt to blow up portions of an inter-Korean road, the South Korean military fired warning shots on Oct 15 close to the military demarcation line dividing the two Koreas, said the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea.

He claimed that North Korea has demolished portions of the tightly guarded border's inter-Korean highways.

The highways, which represented the fragile collaboration between the two Koreas, had been idle for an extended period.

The military of South Korea has strengthened its defenses in response, despite protesting the destruction of the roadways. The Joint Chiefs said, "We are reinforcing our readiness to ensure the security of our nation."

The action represents yet another step toward severing what little remains of inter-Korean connections, as acknowledged by South Korea.

The most recent event has occurred during a period of increased hostility between the two neighbors, which has been made worse by the North's claims that South Korea has flown drones above its capital Pyongyang.

These accusations have stoked concerns of a wider conflict on the Korean Peninsula, as has North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's recent order for "immediate military action."

Kim called an urgent national security meeting after the North accused the South of employing drones to drop propaganda critical of the regime over Pyongyang.

Kim gave the order for his armed forces to remain on high alert, prepared to shoot any foreign objects that crossed the border.

Meanwhile, South Korea has refuted the allegations involving drones but later did not confirm or deny any such activities.

The two Koreas' once-open channels of communication have all but broken down, and their relationship is currently at an all-time low.

North Korea declared just last week that it intended to completely cut off from the southern border, including both highways and railroads.

Along the border, it also said that it would erect "strong defense structures," which was seen as an extension of its already potent military might.