Archive · 29 Sep 2026
South Korea Says North Korean Mines Likely Caused DMZ Blasts
Three South Korean soldiers were hurt by blasts in the Demilitarized Zone.
The blasts happened on September 21 while soldiers were opening a new path for a military search.
South Korea’s military thinks North Korean mines probably caused the injuries.
Investigators found TNT traces and brown material on the soldiers’ equipment.
They did not find metal pieces that would usually be expected from a South Korean mine.
Soldiers also said they saw an object that looked like a North Korean plastic mine.
The investigation is not finished, and officials still need to determine what kind of mine was involved and who put it there.
If North Korea is confirmed to be responsible, South Korea says it will take appropriate measures.
South Korea’s military said North Korean land mines were highly likely responsible for September 21 blasts in the DMZ.
Two South Korean soldiers were severely injured and a third suffered minor injuries; all three remained hospitalized.
Investigators found TNT traces and brown material but no metal fragments typically expected from South Korean mines.
Witnesses reported seeing a brown, rectangular object resembling a North Korean plastic antipersonnel mine near the first blast site.
Officials said the investigation continues, including whether the mine was planted there or displaced, before South Korea considers possible responses.
- Who
- Three South Korean soldiers were injured; South Korea’s military said North Korean forces were likely responsible.
- What
- One or two blasts, described collectively as a mine explosion, injured the soldiers inside the DMZ.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 21; preliminary findings were announced the following Monday, with further investigation discussed on September 24.
- Where
- About 10 meters south of the Military Demarcation Line inside the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea.
- Why
- The soldiers were opening a new reconnaissance or search path, and the military said evidence pointed to North Korean mines.
Preliminary Military Assessment
Final Investigation Still Needed
Cause of the blasts
Preliminary Military Assessment
South Korea’s military said the evidence strongly indicated that North Korean land mines were highly likely responsible, citing residue, blast characteristics, injuries, and a reported mine-like object.
Final Investigation Still Needed
Officials said investigators must still establish whether the objects were mines, what type they were, and whether they were planted by North Korea.
Evidence near the site
Preliminary Military Assessment
The military said no South Korean forces were recorded as having laid mines there and that nearby evidence of North Korean mine-laying had been found in September 2025.
Final Investigation Still Needed
The reported brown object has not yet been examined, and the military has not determined whether a mine was planted at the site or moved there from elsewhere.
Responsibility and response
Preliminary Military Assessment
If the final investigation confirms that North Korean forces planted the mine, South Korea says North Korea will bear full responsibility and Seoul will take corresponding measures.
Final Investigation Still Needed
South Korean and United Nations Command personnel are continuing a prompt, thorough, and objective investigation before any responsibility or response is finalized.
- Incident date
- September 21
- Location
- About 10 meters south of the Military Demarcation Line in the DMZ
- Casualties
- Two soldiers were severely injured and one suffered minor injuries; all three were hospitalized
- Evidence cited
- TNT traces, brown material, blast-crater and flame patterns, injury patterns, and witness accounts
- Object reported
- A brown, rectangular object resembling a North Korean plastic antipersonnel mine was seen near the first blast site
- Unresolved issue
- Investigators have not determined whether the mine was planted at the site or displaced from elsewhere
- Possible response
- South Korea said it would take appropriate and corresponding measures if North Korean responsibility is confirmed
