During the landmine explosion incident in the western front Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), soldiers present at the scene reported seeing objects similar to wooden box mines, according to military authorities. There are also testimonies indicating that unexploded mines remained at the site, suggesting that securing physical evidence through on-site investigations will be crucial in determining the cause of the incident.
Hwang Joo-bong, head of the Operations Division at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated during a regular briefing at the Ministry of National Defense on the 28th that soldiers deployed at the time of the incident reported seeing objects resembling wooden box mines.
Hwang explained, "Soldiers trained to recognize the shapes and materials of both enemy and friendly mines are deployed for DMZ operations. Those who received that training should be able to identify and specify what they saw."
However, due to the existence of multiple testimonies, it is difficult to definitively conclude whether the mines are of the type used by North Korea. The military plans to ascertain the facts through further on-site verification.
Earlier, the South Korean military and the United Nations Command began an on-site investigation six days after the incident on the 27th. However, due to delays in securing access routes, they could only approach the vicinity of the presumed explosion site and did not reach the actual location of the incident.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol spoke with reporters at the National Assembly on the same day regarding the response measures if the investigation confirms the presence of North Korean-laid mines, stating, "Appropriate and corresponding measures will be necessary, and we will proceed accordingly."
Hwang Joo-bong, head of the Operations Division at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated during a regular briefing at the Ministry of National Defense on the 28th that soldiers deployed at the time of the incident reported seeing objects resembling wooden box mines.
Hwang explained, "Soldiers trained to recognize the shapes and materials of both enemy and friendly mines are deployed for DMZ operations. Those who received that training should be able to identify and specify what they saw."
However, due to the existence of multiple testimonies, it is difficult to definitively conclude whether the mines are of the type used by North Korea. The military plans to ascertain the facts through further on-site verification.
Earlier, the South Korean military and the United Nations Command began an on-site investigation six days after the incident on the 27th. However, due to delays in securing access routes, they could only approach the vicinity of the presumed explosion site and did not reach the actual location of the incident.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol spoke with reporters at the National Assembly on the same day regarding the response measures if the investigation confirms the presence of North Korean-laid mines, stating, "Appropriate and corresponding measures will be necessary, and we will proceed accordingly."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.