Several North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured by landmines within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. These incidents, reported by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) on Tuesday, have occurred since November when North Korea began deploying troops into the heavily mined buffer zone for construction work.
According to the JCS, North Korean soldiers have been working to lay mines and build anti-tank barriers along the DMZ, leading to “multiple casualties” from accidental detonations. The JCS did not provide specific casualty figures but highlighted the ongoing risk as North Korea continues to send soldiers into these dangerous areas.
The DMZ, a 2.5-mile-wide buffer zone established by the 1953 Korean War armistice, is one of the most fortified borders globally. It is heavily mined and patrolled by military forces from both Koreas. The recent casualties underline the perilous nature of the work being conducted by North Korean troops in this region.
South Korean military officials have observed North Korean soldiers removing railway tracks and lamp posts near the border, actions interpreted as efforts to fortify the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and prevent defections. This activity, combined with the construction of fortifications, suggests an intent by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to solidify the border and strengthen internal controls.
The heightened border activity has led to incidents where North Korean soldiers accidentally crossed into South Korea while working in the DMZ. On Tuesday, South Korean troops fired warning shots to repel a group of 20-30 North Korean soldiers who crossed the MDL. The JCS stated that these incursions appeared accidental, with the soldiers retreating after the warning shots were fired.
Expanded Coverage:
