The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday accused the United States and South Korea of committing more than 180 cases of aerial spying in January.

U-2, RC-12, and E-3 reconnaissance planes of the United States have conducted at least 110 cases of aerial espionage, and the RC-800s and RF-4Cs reconnaissance planes of the South Korean air force more than 70 cases this month, the official KCNA news said, citing a military source.

"These reckless acts of aerial espionage perpetrated from the outset of the new year compel the DPRK to further increase the readiness to cope with the moves of the U.S. imperialists and the warmongers of the South Korean puppet army for a war of aggression," it said.

The KCNA issues monthly reports on U.S. and South Korean spying flights. More than 180 cases of aerial spying were reported last month.

Relations between the DPRK and the South Korea have worsened since South Korea President Lee Myung-bak took office last year with a pledge to get tough with Pyongyang.

Lee decided soon after he assumed office to end the so-called "sunshine policy," under which the DPRK was granted economic aid. He insisted that the aid would not continue until Pyongyang cancelled its nuclear program.

Tensions between the two countries were further escalated as the DPRK scrapped all military and political agreements, accusing Seoul of aggressive moves against Pyongyang.

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2009)