(LEAD) Land mine explodes at DMZ during military operation over suspected N. Korean minefield: JCS

On September 20, a suspected land mine explosion occurred at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during a military route clearance operation, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The incident took place south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the western sector of the DMZ, which separates North and South Korea. Three military officers were injured in the explosion, with one sustaining a severe injury that resulted in the loss of an ankle.

The JCS stated that the explosion occurred while the military was clearing a route in the DMZ in preparation for an on-site inspection by the United Nations Command (UNC) scheduled for early the following week. The South Korean military had identified some changes in terrain south of the DMZ and was consulting with the UNC about the possibility of North Korean troops having planted the land mines.

The explosion site was near the MDL, and the JCS spokesperson, Jang Do-young, said they would determine the exact location and cause of the explosion through an on-site inspection once safety was secured, in coordination with the UNC. A team of twelve troops was conducting the route clearance mission at the time of the suspected land mine explosion, using mine detectors.

The two officers who suffered serious injuries were wearing protective clothing and demining gear and are currently undergoing surgery, but are not in life-threatening condition.