South Korea says North Korean mines likely caused explosion that injured three soldiers

South Korea's military believes North Korean land mines were responsible for an explosion that injured three soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), according to Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Lt. Gen. Kwon Dae-won. The incident occurred on September 21, approximately 10 meters south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) separating North and South Korea.

Kwon stated that the preliminary conclusion was based on the blast crater, flame patterns, the extent of injuries, and other evidence collected at the scene. He emphasized that if the final investigation confirms North Korean forces laid the mines, it would be considered a clear attack against South Korean soldiers who were legally performing operations in the DMZ.

The South Korean military suspects that two of the three mines detonated, while a suspected unexploded mine was also spotted nearby. Two soldiers suffered serious injuries, and a third sustained minor injuries, all remaining hospitalized. A joint investigation by the South Korean military and the United Nations Command is ongoing, with final findings expected to be announced later.

Seoul has stated that it will take appropriate and corresponding measures if the investigation confirms the mines were planted by North Korean forces.