▲ Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul visits the Army's 25th Infantry Division
Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul visited a frontline unit on the western front on Wednesday, where a landmine explosion occurred during a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) search operation, to inspect military readiness.
Marking his first official on-site inspection since taking office, Minister Kang visited the Army's 25th Infantry Division on the western front and met with soldiers of the unit where personnel were injured during a search operation on September 21 to offer comfort and encouragement.
"Maintaining unwavering operational discipline and completing our mission is what our people and our comrades in hospital beds expect of us," Minister Kang said, urging troops not to be discouraged and to remain dedicated to their duties.
He added, "The state will take full responsibility and care for them until the end so that our comrades and their families can focus solely on treatment and recovery."
After receiving a briefing on forward operational conditions from an observation post, Minister Kang visited the command and control center of a GOP (general outpost) battalion to inspect its readiness posture, calling for the establishment of firm operational discipline capable of responding immediately under any circumstances.
In particular, he emphasized to frontline troops, "If the enemy provokes or intrudes, do not hesitate and respond resolutely," adding, "Your resolute response is my command."
Earlier on Wednesday morning, Minister Kang visited the Armed Forces Trauma Center to console the wounded soldiers.
During a meeting with the injured soldiers and their guardians, he said, "You who were injured while trying to save your comrades during the mission are true heroes," promising, "We will take full responsibility and provide support for treatment and care until the very end."
The reconnaissance battalion commander, who underwent surgery for serious injuries and is currently recovering, asked first about the safety of his comrades who took part in the operation during his meeting with the minister, despite being in the most critical condition himself, the Ministry of National Defense said.
Around 10:50 a.m. on September 21, two landmine explosions occurred near the Military Demarcation Line in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, under the jurisdiction of the Army's 25th Division, leaving two South Korean soldiers, including the reconnaissance battalion commander, seriously injured and one slightly injured.
(Photo courtesy of the Ministry of National Defense, Yonhap News)
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