JCS: "High Probability Landmine Was North Korean... All Responsibility Lies with the North"

[Anchor]

The on-site investigation into the landmine explosion on the western front was completed today (September 28). The military announced interim investigation results indicating a very high probability that the detonated landmine belonged to the North Korean military. A briefing was held at the Ministry of National Defense a short while ago at 8:30 p.m. Let us connect to the scene for more details.

Reporter Choi Jae-yeong, please walk us through the details announced by the Ministry of National Defense.

[Reporter]

Six days after the landmine explosion occurred on the western front, the on-site investigation that began yesterday wrapped up today.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff is currently (Hyunjae) briefing the results of the on-site investigation inside the press room at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters, where I am standing right now.

The military first explained that the location of the mine explosion was about 10 meters from the Military Demarcation Line, and about 10 meters away from an area where the terrain had been altered after the North Korean military recently planted mines.

A total of two mines detonated, and one unexploded mine was discovered 1 meter away from the blast site. The military stated that an initial analysis by the National Forensic Service detected TNT components from the injured personnel's gear, and brown foreign substances were also found.

The military explained that, taking into account the shape of the blast crater, statements regarding the flame conditions at the time, and the degree of injuries, the cause of the explosion was not a South Korean mine.

The military also stated that there is a very high probability the landmine was North Korean, citing that South Korea has no record of planting mines in the area, that there are traces of North Korean troops laying mines nearby in September of last year, and statements from South Korean soldiers to the effect that "the shape was similar to a North Korean wooden-box landmine, and the material appeared to be plastic."

The military emphasized that if it is confirmed to be a North Korean mine, North Korea will bear all responsibility, and appropriate and corresponding measures will be carried out.

Over the course of two days, about 40 personnel were mobilized for the on-site investigation, including South Korean military operational forces, the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission, and officials from investigative agencies.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.