N. Korean Land Mines Likely Cause of DMZ Blast, Says S. Korean Military

The South Korean military announced on September 28 that a recent explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was likely caused by North Korean land mines. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding security and tensions along the border.

The blast occurred during a military operation aimed at clearing a path for a joint inspection with the U.N. Command to investigate suspected illegal mine-laying activities by North Korea. Two South Korean soldiers were severely injured, while another sustained minor injuries.

Preliminary findings from the investigation revealed traces of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and synthetic materials consistent with North Korean antipersonnel land mines. According to Lt. Gen. Kwon Dae-won, the evidence strongly suggests that the explosion was caused by mines planted by North Korea.

If confirmed, the South Korean military stated it would hold North Korea fully accountable for the attack, emphasizing that the soldiers were injured while lawfully conducting operations in the DMZ. The military plans to announce the final results of the investigation in the coming days.