Defense chief says mine-removal operation a 'decisive' response against N. Korea

Seoul, October 6 - South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul declared the recent mine-clearing operation inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) a decisive response against North Korea, marking the first such mission in the buffer zone. The operation, conducted following a Sept. 21 mine blast that injured three South Korean soldiers, was carried out in conjunction with the U.N.

Command (UNC). Kang emphasized that the mine-clearing mission was unprecedented in history and a strong reaction to the deliberate planting of antipersonnel mines by North Korean troops south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). He dismissed claims of passivity, stating the military took necessary measures to remove the land mines from the DMZ on Monday.

Kang reiterated his belief that all responsibility for the blast lies with North Korea, vowing that South Korea will respond decisively to any threats to national security. The Joint Chiefs of Staff and UNC identified additional mines at the blast site and conducted a removal operation the previous day. The military committed to continuing mine-removal efforts if North Korea refuses to voluntarily remove its mines from the area.

North Korea has denied involvement in the recent explosions, with Kim Yo-jong dismissing Seoul's findings as a fabrication and threatening retaliation if Seoul takes corresponding action.