North Korea announced it will fully sever its border with South Korea, cutting off all remaining roads and railways.

This move follows months of fortifying its border and leader Kim Jong Un’s decision to abandon peaceful reunification efforts.

North Korea’s army cited heightened military tensions and recent U.S.-South Korea joint exercises as reasons for the action.

South Korea called the move a “desperate measure” from an insecure regime, CNN has reported.

Analysts suggest North Korea might formalize this separation through a constitutional amendment, with significant internal and external consequences.

Written by B.C. Begley