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South Korea Says Border Blasts that Injured 3 Officers Was Likely Caused by North Korean Mines
Military investigators are examining whether the blast was caused by a recently planted North Korean mine after two officers were seriously injured.
South Korean troops and the United Nations Command launched a joint investigation following the September 21 explosion in the Demilitarized Zone, where three soldiers were injured near the Military Demarcation Line.
Since declaring 'two hostile states' in 2023, North Korea has hardened its border with large numbers of mines near the Military Demarcation Line, though the site remains unaccessed for decades and may contain older mines.
Gen. Hwang Ju-bong reported soldiers saw an object resembling a wooden-box mine, but descriptions varied regarding material and type, prompting investigators to send evidence to the National Forensic Service for analysis.
Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul promised 'corresponding measures' if North Korea caused the blasts, rejecting opposition claims the military intentionally delayed the investigation.
Investigators continue to clear a route to the precise blast point to recover evidence, and the military committed to transparently explaining findings to the public once the field investigation concludes.
A possible new escalation in the border area could further burden the already tense relations between North and South Korea. Seoul has already announced consequences in case of confirmation of suspicion.