Ganghwa:Ganghwa Island The South Korean military successfully detonated a suspected North Korean land mine found on the western border island of Ganghwa, with no casualties or property damage reported, as stated by the Marine Corps.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a worker discovered the mine near a beach on Ganghwa Island at around 330 p.m. An explosive ordnance disposal team from the 2nd Marine Division was dispatched to neutralize the threat. The land mine is believed to be an antipersonnel mine that drifted from North Korea.

Heavy rains are known to cause North Korean mines to wash over the border into South Korean territory. Ganghwa Island, located just northwest of Incheon along the Han River estuary, is one of the closest islands to the Military Demarcation Line separating the two Koreas.

The Marine Corps noted that the last land mine found on Ganghwa Island was on August 15. Between July and August, a total of 17 mines, including wooden-box and antipersonnel mines, were discovered. The military continues to conduct search and preventive activities to ensure the safety of local residents and urged them, as well as visitors, to report any suspicious objects to the police or military.