Military Concludes DMZ Blast Caused by North Korean Landmine, Conducts Clearance Operation

Military authorities announced the final investigation results concluding that an explosion that occurred last month in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the western front was caused by a North Korean landmine.

The military also conducted an operation to clear the North Korean minefield on the afternoon of October 5.

Military authorities made the announcement at the defense ministry on the afternoon of October 5, presenting the "Final Investigation Results of the JCS Joint On-site Investigation Task Force Regarding the 25th Division DMZ Landmine Explosion."

According to the military authorities, the task force completed a joint on-site investigation with the United Nations Command from September 26 to 29, and the announcement made on October 5 represents the final investigation results regarding the explosion site based on the findings of the joint investigation with the UNC and forensic analysis received from the National Forensic Service on October 2.

Of the 18 service members deployed in the operation at the time, two who were severely injured and one who sustained minor injuries remain hospitalized for treatment.

The military added that of the 15 discharged personnel, two received additional outpatient treatment, while 13 are being monitored to ensure medical support can be provided at any time.

Military authorities stated, "We strongly urge North Korea to offer a sincere apology even now to our soldiers injured in this landmine explosion and to immediately remove the landmines laid in violation of the Armistice Agreement."

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