18:00
August 25, 2015
The South Korean intelligence agency, the National Intelligence Service, has claimed that a ‘dramatic shakeup’ has taken place within the North Korean government. The exact nature of what has happened is unknown, with South Korean officials refusing to speculate. However, sources in the British Embassy in Pyongyang have told the BBC that armoured vehicles have been seen on the otherwise empty streets, and that they are being prevented by North Korean officials from leaving the confines of the embassy. This appears to also be the case for the Brazilian and German Embassies. Speaking to the BBC by satellite phone earlier, a British Embassy official who wishes to remain anonymous described the situation.
“The North Koreans never actually came within the territory of the Embassy, but they had soldiers with rifles and combat uniforms come up to the gates and talk with our officials, and they demanded to speak to the Ambassador. Eventually he did come out and talk to them, then returned to tell us we weren’t allowed to leave. They’ve cut off the phone lines and our Internet’s dead. I’m on the top floor of the Embassy and every now and again a truck loaded with soldiers or an armoured personnel carrier rolls past. I haven’t heard any gunfire, none at all. It’s eerie, that’s all I can really describe it as, just eerie.”
Reacting to the news, the Foreign Office has called for the North Korean government to continue to respect the rights of foreign diplomats while also appealing for calm within the capital. Very little news has left North Korea, and it is believed that foreign tourists in Pyongyang may have been detained to prevent them contacting the outside world.
In response to the ongoing situation, the South Korean military, as well as American forces stationed in South Korea, have gone to high alert. A high-level source in the U.S. State Department has informed us that it is widely believed that a coup may have taken place in North Korea, though we stress that this is unconfirmed. The Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, is expected to make a statement shortly.
18:25
August 25, 2015
“Good afternoon everyone, I just want to briefly comment on this situation in North Korea. We are naturally lacking in some facts right now but I’ll give you all we’ve got. In conjunction with our South Korean allies, U.S. intelligence agencies have been lead to believe with near-certainty that a military coup may be taking place in North Korea. We have no information at this time as to who may be leading this coup, how great in number the coup forces are, or the current status of the North Korean government. Naturally we are deeply concerned about the safety of American citizens in North Korea and we appeal to the relevant authorities to allow all American and other foreign nationals free exit from the country. The United States Pacific Command has been brought to high alert, which includes all U.S. forces stationed in South Korea, and they will remain at this state of heightened readiness as long as the crisis prevails. It is the hope of the United States that the situation in North Korea will prove ultimately beneficial, and we await its result with willingness to engage positively with whatever administration may emerge in the interest of regional stability.”
That was Mr John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, addressing the media on the situation in North Korea. Mr Kerry said that American officials had near-certainty that a military coup is taking place in the country, but was unable to provide much detail on exactly what’s happening on the ground.
23:47
August 25, 2015
Breaking news just coming in to CNN, the Korean Central News Agency, that’s the North Korean state-run news agency, has just announced the failure of the coup which we’ve been reporting to you in North Korea. KCNA released a statement reading, quote, “a vile attempt at piggish treachery by the foulest of inbred bastard dogs to overthrow the wise leadership and guidance of Marshal Kim Jong-un has been perfectly thwarted.”
The report goes on to say that Kim Jong-un remains in complete control, and lays the blame for the coup on a “handful” of conspirators. It claims that the deployment of army units into Pyongyang was actually the doing of the central government, not those behind the coup, to “ensure the security and stability of the Democratic People’s Republic against those who would attempt the most profound and deepest betrayal against the very soul of the Korean people.” We’re still waiting on news from the State Department, but U.S. forces in the Pacific remain on high alert.