On Monday, three South Korean officers sustained injuries due to an explosion of undetermined origin while conducting operations in the western sector of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which divides North and South Korea, according to a statement from the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul.
Two of the injured officers were evacuated by helicopter, while the third was initially to be transported by road before also being airlifted, although the JCS did not provide further information regarding their conditions.
Reports from South Korean media suggest the blast may have been caused by a landmine.
The incident occurred south of the Military Demarcation Line, within the confines of the DMZ, as stated by JCS.
This heavily fortified border has separated the two nations since the Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty in 1953.
Explosions pose a continuous threat within and around the DMZ, where remnants from the past have repeatedly injured soldiers from both sides.
Since March, North Korean forces have resumed fortification activities near the border, including mine placement and fence construction.
Earlier this month, South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon reported that North Korea’s minefields and other installations have encroached approximately 10-15 meters over the Military Demarcation Line at six locations in the western part of the demilitarized zone.
