Seoul:South Korea is reviewing diplomatic measures following recent mine explosions inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that injured three soldiers. The government aims to prevent unnecessary escalation of the situation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun discussed these measures during a parliamentary audit of his ministry. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) concluded that North Korean land mines, planted south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), were responsible for the injuries sustained on September 21.
Cho emphasized the seriousness of the matter and stated that the ministry is collaborating with the National Security Council to formulate a response based on the investigation's final results. The explosions occurred during a South Korean military operation to clear a path for a joint inspection with the U.N. Command (UNC), which was intended to verify suspicions of illegal land mine planting by Pyongyang.
The review of diplomatic actions includes examining past incidents and measures involving the United Nations. Lawmakers pointed to a similar 2015 incident where North Korean land mines injured two soldiers. Following that event, South Korea sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council expressing regret over North Korea's actions and urging restraint.
Cho mentioned the government's efforts to clarify the MDL, with measures being prepared in cooperation with the UNC to encourage Pyongyang's cooperation. He dismissed claims that the government's response was delayed due to concerns about provoking North Korea, asserting the importance of firm demands while managing the situation.
The JCS announced the final investigation results on Monday, noting that a mine-clearing operation was conducted at the blast site. The defense minister described this as a "decisive" response, marking the first such mission within the DMZ. The military plans to continue mine removal if North Korea does not act, and has called for an apology to the injured soldiers.
North Korea has denied responsibility for the explosions and has warned of retaliation if South Korea proceeds with corresponding actions.