North Korea has rejected South Korea's accusation that North Korean mines seriously wounded South Korean soldiers in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). According to state news agency KCNA, North Korea dismissed Seoul's demand for an apology as "groundless". The incident occurred on September 21, when two South Korean soldiers were seriously wounded on a reconnaissance mission inside the 4-km wide border that stretches across the Korean Peninsula.
Kim Yo Jong, an official of the North's ruling Workers' Party and sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated that Pyongyang had not deliberately planted mines in the border zone. She said South Korea had jumped to conclusions, stating that the explosion was caused by someone's covert and intended mine-laying. Kim described Seoul's demand for an apology as "despicable".
South Korea's military had conducted a probe of the incident with the United Nations Command, which oversees the Korean War armistice. The UN Command stated that the incident constituted a violation of the Korean War armistice. South Korea's military demanded North Korea apologize and halt work fortifying the border, stating it would take "corresponding" action in response.
Kim Yo Jong explained that the fortification being conducted in the border zone was designed to seal the border shut for good, so that "even wild animals cannot come and go". She questioned why South Korea would think that North Korea would take such actions to provoke them. North Korea has sharply ramped up hostility against South Korea in recent years.
North Korea has disavowed unification as a national goal and now refers to South Korea as its "primary foe". The increased tensions have raised concerns about the stability of the region. The DMZ is a sensitive area, with both North and South Korea maintaining a significant military presence.
A photo released by KCNA showed North Korea testing updated 240 mm-calibre controlled multiple-launch rockets at an undisclosed location in North Korea on September 22. The test was part of an artillery and missile forces modernization plan aimed at attaining the five-year national defense development goal.
The incident has further strained relations between North and South Korea, with both sides taking a hardline stance. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
Key points
- North Korea rejects South Korea's accusation over DMZ mine blast as "groundless".
- South Korea demands North Korea apologize and halt border fortification.
- North Korea views South Korea as its "primary foe", further straining relations.
