Seoul:South Korea's top military commander described the recent mine explosion near the inter-Korean border as a "provocation" by North Korea. General Jin Yong-sung, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), stated his intention to review the military's response measures following the incident.
According to Yonhap News Agency, General Jin made his remarks during a parliamentary audit, acknowledging criticism from some opposition lawmakers who suggested that the military had avoided labeling the September 21 blast as a provocation by North Korea. Jin clarified that he viewed the incident as a provocation, especially as one of his soldiers was seriously injured.
The JCS, in conjunction with the U.N. Command, concluded its investigation into the mine blast, confirming that resin antipersonnel mines deliberately planted by Pyongyang south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) caused the explosion. The incident resulted in injuries to three South Korean soldiers, with two sustaining serious wounds.
General Jin emphasized the significance of the mine-removal operation conducted by South Korean troops at the blast site, asserting that it demonstrated the military's resolve. He stated that the operation was crucial to eliminating the threat that caused harm to their comrades. He also mentioned that he is reviewing further response measures but did not provide specific details.
The South Korean military initiated an operation on Monday to clear any remaining land mines planted by North Korea within the buffer zone, marking the first such mission in the area. The military has pledged to enhance its readiness to deter future provocations by North Korea and to respond sternly to the damage inflicted on its troops.
In the medium term, the military plans to bolster its operational capabilities in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) by minimizing surveillance blind spots and accelerating the transition of surveillance systems at frontline units to advanced, AI-driven technology.