Seoul:According to Yonhap News Agency, an undetonated wooden-box land mine was reportedly identified at the site of last week's explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), based on initial statements from soldiers involved in the incident.
The explosion occurred south of the Military Demarcation Line in the DMZ, injuring two South Korean soldiers severely and a third soldier sustaining minor injuries. Military sources suspect that North Korean land mines may have triggered the explosions, which were two in number.
Military investigators have yet to verify claims about the additional unexploded land mine, including its possible origins with North Korean forces. The investigation team was unable to access the blast site during a recent operation due to challenges. Recovering the unexploded mine is critical for evidence collection and advancing the investigation, according to military officials.
Brig. Gen. Hwang Ju-bong of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) mentioned that troops reported witnessing a land mine resembling a North Korean wooden-box mine near the explosion site. This type of land mine is typically used by North Korean troops and is particularly challenging to detect due to its wooden encasement.
The South Korean military, alongside the U.N. Command, launched a joint investigation into the explosion. However, efforts to collect evidence were halted at sunset, with forensic analysis of mine fragments and explosive residue ongoing.
Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul indicated that the military is still analyzing initial testimonies, making it difficult to determine the exact type of mine involved. He assured the public that all details would be disclosed once verified through on-site investigations. Kang also addressed potential North Korean responsibility, promising appropriate measures if confirmed.
Military experts suggest the explosion's severity points to North Korean mines rather than South Korean variants. If North Korean involvement is confirmed, it may constitute a breach of the armistice agreement. The incident occurred during an operation to clear a path for a joint inspection aimed at investigating potential illegal mine-laying activities by North Korea.
Forensic authorities are expected to publish their initial findings from the collected evidence soon.