North Korea rejects Seoul’s accusation over DMZ mine blast
North Korea has denied South Korea’s claim that a North Korean mine caused an explosion in the Demilitarized Zone that injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul and the UN Command say an investigation found a North Korean anti-personnel mine and a possible armistice violation.
North Korea has rejected South Korea’s accusation that it was responsible for a mine blast in the Demilitarized Zone that injured three South Korean soldiers. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, called Seoul’s evidence false in a statement carried by North Korean state media KCNA. She described the South Korean claim as a “farce”.
South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul said on Tuesday that North Korean mines caused last week’s explosion. He said Pyongyang likely planted mines to strengthen the border and warned that Seoul had measures available to respond in stages. South Korea’s military demanded an apology and called for North Korea to stop activities that increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The South Korean joint chiefs said South Korean and UN investigators found another North Korean mine during a follow-up inspection. The UN Command said the investigation identified an active North Korean anti-personnel mine on the South Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line. The UN Command concluded that North Korea had violated the armistice agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War.
The command is a US-led multinational force responsible for overseeing the armistice and administering the southern side of the DMZ. North Korea’s denial and South Korea’s allegation remain sharply opposed.
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