South Korea’s military says a North Korean land mine was highly likely responsible for an explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), as investigators continue examining evidence from the blast site.
The explosion occurred on Sept. 21 while South Korean troops were clearing a route for a joint inspection with the United Nations Command in the western section of the DMZ. Two soldiers were seriously injured and another suffered minor injuries.
A preliminary investigation found evidence that points toward a North Korean mine. Military officials said forensic analysis detected TNT and brown synthetic material, while the absence of metal fragments or shrapnel was considered inconsistent with mines used by South Korean or allied forces. Investigators also identified blast patterns and debris that supported the preliminary assessment.
The blast occurred about 10 metres south of the Military Demarcation Line. Soldiers reportedly saw what appeared to be another unexploded mine while withdrawing from the area, raising concerns that additional explosive devices could remain nearby.
South Korean authorities had begun investigating possible North Korean mine-laying after detecting changes in terrain near the border. The operation that led to the explosion was intended to help establish a route for further inspection of the suspected mine-laying activity.
South Korea’s military has stressed that the finding remains preliminary. The United Nations Command said it would not comment while the investigation remains ongoing, and a final assessment is expected after further examination of the evidence.
If the final investigation confirms that North Korean forces planted the mine, South Korea’s military has said it will hold North Korea responsible and take what it describes as appropriate measures. President Lee Jae Myung has separately ordered a thorough investigation and said any government response should be based on the findings.
The incident highlights the continuing dangers along the heavily fortified DMZ, where large numbers of land mines remain from the Korean War and additional mine-laying activity has been reported in recent years.
