Key facts
- Two South Korean soldiers were critically injured by consecutive explosions in the DMZ.
- The blasts occurred south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) on Monday.
- Forensic analysis is underway on mine fragments to determine their origin.
- A battalion commander suffered a severe ankle injury, and a noncommissioned officer sustained a leg fracture.
- The soldiers were clearing a route for a U.N. Command inspection.
- Military officials have notified North Korea about the incident.
Two South Korean soldiers were critically injured earlier this week in consecutive explosions within the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea. The incident occurred on Monday as a team of 18 personnel, including combat engineers, was clearing a path for a U.N. Command inspection into suspected North Korean mine-laying activities. A military official stated that a staff sergeant was injured in the first blast, and a battalion commander sustained a severe ankle injury in a second explosion that occurred when he approached the first soldier to provide aid. Both soldiers were airlifted to a military hospital, with the battalion commander undergoing surgery for his ankle and the staff sergeant for a leg fracture. Another soldier sustained minor injuries. Forensic analysis is currently being conducted on mine fragments collected from the scene to determine if they originated from South or North Korea, with preliminary findings expected after next week. Military officials have stated that all possibilities are being considered in the investigation, including potential North Korean involvement, and have notified the North Korean side via live broadcasts and the UNC channel.