S. Korean military, U.N. Command conduct joint probe on DMZ blast site: JCS

South Korean military and U.N. Command have jointly investigated the suspected mine blast inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The survey team of around 40 personnel reached the site but did not reach the actual explosion site. The investigation took place from around 9 a.m. to sundown, using mine detectors and clearing the route. Due to the high risk of unidentified land mines and personnel fatigue, the team decided to resume the operation at a later date.

The joint probe follows the explosion south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) six days ago, which injured two officers. The South Korean military and the UNC plan to conduct additional on-site inspections and provide a transparent account of their findings. The blast occurred as troops were returning from a route-clearance operation in the DMZ, which was initially scheduled for early this week.

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul visited the 25th Infantry Division on Wednesday, followed by the JCS operations chief and chairman on Thursday and Friday. The military has faced criticism for allegedly delaying investigations into the suspected land mine blast.