World · Singapore Bureau
Seoul suspects North Korean mines in DMZ blast injuring soldiers
South Korean authorities are investigating whether landmines planted by North Korea caused explosions along the demilitarized zone that left three soldiers wounded. The incident occurred on September 21 near the inter-Korean border.
LSN Singapore ·
Three South Korean military personnel sustained injuries in explosions that occurred along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, with Seoul's defense establishment pointing to North Korean mines as the likely culprit.
Two of the soldiers were seriously wounded in the September 21 incident, while a third sustained minor injuries. The explosions took place in a heavily fortified area that has long been a flashpoint for inter-Korean tensions.
South Korean military officials believe the blasts resulted from anti-personnel or anti-tank mines believed to have been laid by North Korean forces. The DMZ, one of the world's most heavily militarized borders, remains dotted with landmines from the Korean War era despite decades of armistice.
The incident adds to longstanding security concerns along the border region. Both North and South Korea maintain significant military presences in the area, and sporadic incidents involving mines and border fortifications periodically occur.
Soul's defense ministry has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosions and is coordinating with relevant military units to assess any broader security implications along the DMZ.