South Korean military attributes DMZ blast to North Korean land mines
South Korea’s armed forces say a recent explosion in the Demilitarized Zone was most likely caused by a North Korean antipersonnel mine, injuring three soldiers.
South Korean military officials concluded that a land mine explosion inside the Demilitarized Zone was highly likely the result of a North Korean antipersonnel device. Investigators examined brown resin residue and the lack of metal fragments, which ruled out South Korean munitions. Witnesses reported seeing a brown North Korean mine about a metre from the crater, and the pattern of the blast and injuries matched that profile.
After an initial attempt to reach the site was delayed by fading light, a second operation was carried out to collect further evidence. Lt. Gen. Kwon Dae-won, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the army will hold Pyongyang fully accountable and will take corresponding actions if the final investigation confirms the assessment.
Why it matters
The incident raises tensions on the Korean peninsula and could trigger a military response if North Korea is deemed responsible.
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