North Korea accused South Korea of flying propaganda-filled drones over Pyongyang and threatened “retaliation,” state media reported Friday.

The head of the South Korean government agency for defense research and development said Tuesday the uncrewed aerial vehicles seen in footage released by North Korean state media do not seem to be South Korean.

Tensions in the Korean peninsula are rising as the US presidential campaign enters the home stretch.

North Korea accused South Korea on Friday of sending drones to scatter a "huge number" of anti-North leaflets over its capital Pyongyang, in what it called a political and military provocation that could lead to armed conflict.

North Korea accused South Korea of infiltrating Pyongyang with drones, officials are reported to have said "All means of attack are ready to act."

North Korea says South Korea flew propaganda-dropping drones over its capital city, warning the "safety lock on our trigger has now been released" in response.

In response, Pyongyang has sent thousands of balloons filled with rubbish and paper waste into South Korea. Seoul, in turn, broadcast propaganda and K-pop music across the border through loudspeakers. Yonhap reported that Pyongyang was sending a fresh round of trash-carrying balloons late Friday.

The sister of North Korea's leader, Kim Yo-jong, accused South Korea on Tuesday of violating Pyongyang's airspace with drones. She stated that Pyongyang has "clear evidence" of the South Korean military's guilt and threatened to "turn South Korea to ashes" if drones appear again.

The sister of North Korea's leader, Kim Yo-jong, accused South Korea on Tuesday of violating the airspace over Pyongyang with drones. She stated that Pyongyang has "clear evidence" of the South Korean military's guilt.