Kang shin: "North Korea Mine Clearance Operation First in DMZ History... Resolute Response"

Defense Minister Kang shin said today (October 6) that the land mine clearance operation conducted by the South Korean military the previous day at the site of a North Korean mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was "in fact the first of its kind in our DMZ history," adding, "I view it as a resolute response."

Meeting with reporters this morning at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Minister Kang emphasized this point when asked about criticism that the military's response was too passive and defensive, saying, "That is not the case."

He said, "Our comrades were severely injured while carrying out legitimate operations due to land mines installed by North Korea under the pretext of so-called 'border fortification,'" adding, "In response, our military took necessary measures yesterday."

He continued, "All responsibility lies with North Korea," adding, "Going forward, our military will respond resolutely to any actions that harm our national security."

Regarding the timing of potential additional mine clearance operations, he responded, "The Joint Chiefs of Staff and the United Nations Command will assess the situation and carry out operations."

On further follow-up measures after the mine clearance operation, he said, "We will continue to take necessary measures," but refrained from elaborating, noting, "We are considering many diverse ideas, so it is difficult to discuss them here."

He also stated, "There are multiple Military Demarcation Lines (MDL) [recognized respectively by South Korea, North Korea, and the UNC]," adding, "I believe [North Korea] must also come to the site or to the [dialogue] table in order to mutually verify these aspects."

The military announced the previous day the results of its final investigation, concluding that South Korean service members were injured by land mines laid by North Korea south of the MDL, and detonated and removed North Korean mines laid around the incident site.

This marks the South Korean military's first tangible action in response to the North Korean land mine explosion in the DMZ.

It is the first time the South Korean military has executed a physical clearance operation against a North Korean-laid minefield south of the MDL.

The military also warned that it will continue mine clearance operations unless North Korea voluntarily removes minefields south of the MDL.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.