(2nd LD) S. Korea blames N.K. for DMZ mine blast; UNC cites armistice breach over active mine

South Korea accused North Korea of causing a land mine explosion inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on September 21, demanding an apology and responsible actions from Pyongyang. The South Korean military stated that the blast, occurring on September 21, caused by mines planted by North Korea, violated the armistice agreement that concluded the 1950-53 Korean War, urging Pyongyang to cease border fortification activities.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) emphasized that North Korea bears full responsibility for any future consequences arising from the incident. The U.N. Command (UNC), overseeing the armistice agreement, determined an armistice violation due to the discovery of an active North Korean mine on the South Korean side during a joint inspection.

The UNC is addressing the violation through established Armistice mechanisms, not citing the blast itself as a violation. Four mines were discovered in the area, with at least two causing the explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers. North Korea denied involvement, accusing Seoul of a "groundless" conspiracy and warning of "merciless" retaliation if the South takes corresponding actions.