South Korea Blames North for DMZ Mine Blasts
Seoul's military said Pyongyang planted mines that exploded, wounding three officers; it removed some devices and demanded removal of the rest and a…
Mateo Fernandez ·
South Korea's military on Monday said North Korea planted mines along the Military Demarcation Line that later exploded, wounding three officers and raising tensions on the border.
Seoul demands Pyongyang apology
Officials said the military's final investigation found the devices had been placed on the southern side of the line in violation of the armistice agreement. The statement said forces have removed some mines, called on Pyongyang to take out the remainder immediately and demanded a "heartfelt apology" to the injured soldiers.
The military added it will continue clearing any remaining devices if North Korea does not do so voluntarily. Officials framed the removals as a safety operation and said they will document the locations and types of ordnance found; they characterized the placement as a breach of the armistice rather than a defensive measure.
Regional security watchers will monitor Pyongyang's response; officials stressed the matter for now remains on a military-to-military track. Markets and regional capitals will be watching for any reply within 24 hours.