S. Korea clears landmines close to site of Sept. 21 DMZ explosions

The South Korean military on Monday released the final results of its joint investigation into last month's landmine explosions near the DMZ, concluding that North Korean mines were responsible. The military responded with clearing remaining mines in the region. Our defense correspondent Park Kun-woo reports. Explosions close to the Military Demarcation Line send black smoke into the air, near where North Korean landmines exploded two weeks ago. This time, however, the blasts were carried out deliberately by the South Korean military. At around 1 PM on Monday, an operation took place to destroy unexploded North Korean landmines in the area. The operation came after a joint investigation with the UN Command concluded that North Korean mines were responsible for the September 21 explosions that injured three South Korean soldiers. "We removed the North Korean minefield south of the MDL that caused the recent explosion and was determined by the UNC to be a violation of the Armistice Agreement. It was carried out safely in close coordination with the UNC, while taking measures to prevent any accidental clashes." According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, GPS measurements placed the two explosion sites and an additional North Korean mine 10 meters south of the MDL. Forensic analysis also detected traces of TNT commonly used in North Korean mines. The military concluded that the mines had been deliberately planted in the area, citing testimony from soldiers and the North Korean mine found nearby. The military believes the mines were planted over a year ago, a timeframe that coincides with North Korea's border fortification work near the MDL, which began in April 2024. The JCS also says North Korean incursions south of the MDL have risen from nine in 2024 to more than 50 so far this year. Monday's operation marks the South Korean military's first concrete response to the landmine explosions, but one expert says the measure is limited. "The current measures aren't a proportional response but rather more of a follow-up measure that South Korea can take on its own. And given the government's policy of pursuing dialogue with North Korea, there are clear limits to how far any response can go." The expert added that Seoul also needs to manage the risk of North Korea claiming the area as its own territory, and that clearly establishing the MDL is important. The JCS said it will continue mine-clearing operations unless the North removes them itself, while also urging Pyongyang to offer a sincere apology to the injured soldiers. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Reporter Park Kun-woo kwpark@arirang.com

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