Seoul:Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul described the recent mine-clearing operation in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as a "decisive" response to North Korea. This operation, marking the first of its kind within the buffer zone between North and South Korea, followed a mine blast that injured three South Korean soldiers.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean military, alongside the U.N. Command (UNC), concluded through a joint investigation that the explosion was caused by antipersonnel mines deliberately planted by North Korean troops south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL).
Kang addressed reporters at the defense ministry, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the operation and defending it against claims of being too "passive" or "defensive." He stated that the South Korean military's response, which included clearing the land mines from the DMZ, was necessary to ensure national security.
The defense minister reaffirmed that North Korea bears full responsibility for the recent incident and highlighted the South Korean military's commitment to addressing any threats decisively. Although he mentioned future steps, he did not provide specific details.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and the UNC identified additional mines near the explosion site and conducted an operation to remove them. The JCS reported that they successfully cleared the minefield south of the MDL on Monday afternoon.
The South Korean military has pledged to continue mine-removal efforts if North Korea does not voluntarily remove its mines. Meanwhile, North Korea has denied involvement in the explosions, with Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, dismissing Seoul's findings and warning of possible retaliation.