Defense Secretary Kang Shin-cheol on Tuesday characterized the recent North Korean landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the western front as a consequence of North Korea’s border fortification efforts. He emphasized that the U.S. and South Korean militaries will respond decisively to any threats to national security.
Secretary Kang made these comments to reporters at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters in Seoul before attending a Cabinet meeting.
As reported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday, the troops sustained serious injuries while conducting a legitimate operation due to landmines planted by North Korea under the guise of border fortification, Kang stated.
He added that North Korea bears full responsibility for this incident. The military will respond firmly to any actions that jeopardize national security.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported initiating procedures following a United Nations (UN) Command warning to North Korea and conducted a mine clearance operation in the affected area.
Later that day, the JCS released its final investigation results, confirming that the explosion injuring three soldiers was caused by plastic anti-personnel mines laid by North Korean forces south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL).
Army Lt. Gen. Kwon Dae-won, head of the investigative task force, demanded a sincere apology from North Korea for the injuries inflicted on the soldiers and urged Pyongyang to immediately remove the mines installed in violation of the armistice agreement.
Lt. Gen. Kwon warned that if North Korea fails to voluntarily clear the minefields south of the MDL, U.S. and South Korean forces will continue mine clearance operations in the area.
When asked about potential follow-up actions, Secretary Kang responded that they’re considering various measures, but it can’t disclose specifics at this time.
Addressing whether the military’s mine clearance was conducted in anticipation of North Korea’s non-compliance, Kang clarified that that’s not the case. As it explained yesterday, there are multiple MDLs, and it believes North Korea needs to engage in on-site or table discussions to confirm this.
Regarding the timeline for additional mine clearance operations, Kang explained that the JCS and UN Command are continuously assessing the situation and executing operations accordingly.
