Seoul blames North Korea for border mine blast injuring two soldiers

South Korea's military said on Monday that it had determined North Korea was responsible for planting the mines that detonated near the border, causing injuries to two Republic of Korea Armed Forces personnel. The blast occurred in a heavily fortified area along the demilitarized zone that has long served as one of the world's most militarized boundaries.

The incident represents a significant escalation in cross-border tensions, as mine-related injuries along the Korean peninsula's border remain rare but carry serious diplomatic implications. South Korean officials did not immediately detail the specific circumstances of how the mines came to be in the area or provide additional forensic evidence supporting their conclusion.

The two wounded soldiers were reported to have sustained serious injuries from the explosion and were receiving medical treatment. South Korea's defence ministry indicated it was reviewing its border security protocols in response to the incident.

The demilitarized zone remains one of the world's most volatile flashpoints, with periodic military incidents punctuating an armistice that has technically halted active combat since 1953 but has never been formally replaced by a peace treaty.