Seoul:North Korean-planted land mines were responsible for an explosion last month in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that injured three South Korean soldiers. This conclusion was reached by South Korea's military on Monday following a joint investigation with the U.N. Command (UNC).
According to Yonhap News Agency, the investigation revealed that the mines, containing trinitrotoluene (TNT) and thermosetting resin, were deliberately planted by North Korea south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). Two soldiers suffered critical injuries to their ankles, while a third sustained minor injuries.
Fragments from the injured soldiers matched North Korean antipersonnel mines previously found in the Imjin River. These mines were identified by their distinctive brown casing with a lattice pattern. The investigation determined that the mines were intentionally buried about 3 to 10 centimeters underground and estimated to have been placed around 12 months prior.
GPS data indicated that the explosion sites and an additional mine discovery were roughly 10 meters south of the MDL. In response, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) removed the minefield on Monday and released footage showing the operation, which they described as "effective" in addressing the North's mine-laying activities.
The JCS has called on North Korea to apologize and remove the mines, citing a violation of the Armistice Agreement, which prohibits hostile acts within the DMZ. Since April 2024, North Korea has been fortifying the inter-Korean border, leading to increased border intrusions south of the MDL.
Despite these findings, North Korea has denied any involvement in the explosions. Kim Yo-jong, sister of leader Kim Jong-un, dismissed the investigation's results as fabricated and warned of potential retaliation if South Korea takes action.