South Korea Blames North Korea for DMZ Landmine Blast
South Korea's military says a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone that injured three soldiers was highly likely caused by a North Korean mine.
The South Korean military announced Monday that a landmine explosion in the western sector of the Demilitarized Zone on September 21 was highly likely caused by a North Korean mine. The blast occurred while South Korean soldiers were clearing a route for a United Nations Command inspection, resulting in injuries to three officers. Two of the officers are in critical condition, and one soldier lost an ankle.
A joint investigation conducted by the South Korean military and the United Nations Command identified brown-colored materials and fragments at the scene. Investigators determined these components do not match South Korean mines but are similar to those used by North Korea.
Kwon Dae-won, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that North Korea bears full responsibility for the incident. He warned that the military will take appropriate and corresponding measures if it is confirmed that North Korean troops deliberately planted the mine.
