North Korea Planted DMZ Mines, Probe Concludes
A joint South Korean and UN investigation confirmed Pyongyang laid plastic anti-personnel landmines in the Demilitarized Zone, severely injuring three soldiers.
SEOUL: A joint investigation by South Korea and the U.S.-led United Nations Command has formally concluded that North Korea planted plastic anti-personnel landmines inside the Demilitarized Zone, triggering a September 21 explosion that severely injured three South Korean military officers.
Detailed chemical and forensic analysis conducted by South Korea’s National Forensic Service detected TNT and thermosetting resin components identical to previously recovered North Korean weapons.
The findings confirm North Korean troops secretly crossed the Military Demarcation Line about a year ago to plant the explosives.
The blast inflicted life-altering injuries on the patrol, including one officer who lost his foot.
Investigators also recovered a third unexploded landmine near the blast site, providing undeniable proof of a direct breach of the 1953 Armistice Agreement.
South Korean military officials demanded an immediate apology and the removal of all remaining border mines, pledging to continue mine-clearing operations south of the demarcation line.
Pyongyang rejected responsibility, with Kim Yo Jong dismissing Seoul's demands as despicable as technical war persists.
