Seoul:North Korea has reportedly planted approximately 960,000 land mines along the inter-Korean border since 2024. This action is perceived as part of North Korea's efforts to fortify its border following its declaration of a "two hostile states" policy towards Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean military provided this estimate to the National Assembly. Lawmakers affiliated with the parliamentary intelligence and defense committees confirmed the report, highlighting increased border fortifications by North Korea since April 2024, following Kim Jong-un's declaration of hostile relations with Seoul at the end of 2023.
The South Korean military has observed heightened activities by North Korean troops, including the installation of barbed-wire fences, laying of mines, and erection of anti-tank barriers along the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). North Korean troops have at times approached or crossed the MDL, leading the South's military to issue warning broadcasts or fire warning shots as per operational procedures.
Tensions escalated after a land mine explosion on September 21 injured three South Korean soldiers. Following an investigation, Seoul attributed the blast to North Korean antipersonnel mines. In response, Pyongyang denied involvement and accused Seoul of fabricating the investigation's findings, threatening to resume anti-Seoul broadcasts and deploy tactical weapons along the border.
Military experts estimate that more than 2 million land mines are positioned along the DMZ, including those by South Korean forces. This figure aligns with a statement made by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young during a recent parliamentary audit.
Source Yonhap News Agency