South Korea’s defence minister said a landmine explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was highly likely caused by North Korean mines and constituted a clear violation of the Korean War armistice agreement.
The Sept. 21 blast occurred about 10 metres south of the Military Demarcation Line as South Korean troops were clearing a route ahead of an operation with the United Nations Command. Three soldiers were injured, including one who lost a foot.
A joint investigation by South Korean authorities and the UN Command found evidence pointing to North Korean mines. Investigators cited the blast crater, flame patterns, injuries and characteristics of the explosives. They also found an additional North Korean resin-bodied anti-personnel mine near the site.
South Korean officials said the mines appeared to have been placed as part of North Korea’s border fortification work. The military has been monitoring changes in terrain near the Military Demarcation Line amid reports of mine-laying and construction of other defensive structures.
Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul said Seoul would take corresponding measures if the final investigation confirms that North Korean forces planted the mines. He did not specify what those measures would involve, saying the military would implement available options in stages.
Kang also said South Korea would seek direct engagement with North Korea to verify the facts surrounding the incident. The move comes as Seoul continues efforts to reopen dialogue with Pyongyang despite deteriorating inter-Korean relations.
North Korea has since rejected South Korea’s findings. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, denied that Pyongyang was responsible for the mines and warned of retaliation if South Korean forces fire on North Korean troops involved in border fortification work.
The final findings of the investigation are expected to determine responsibility for the blast and what actions South Korea may take in response.
