Archive · 5 Oct 2026
South Korea Says North Korea-Planted Mines Caused DMZ Blast
Three South Korean soldiers were hurt when mines exploded in the Demilitarised Zone.
South Korea's military and the U.N. Command investigated the blast.
They concluded that North Korean mines had been deliberately buried near the border.
The military said the mines were underground, not washed there by floods.
Two soldiers were badly hurt in their ankles, and one had minor injuries.
South Korea said it removed the minefield on Monday.
It says it may keep removing mines if North Korea does not do so.
North Korea denies responsibility, and Kim Yo-jong called South Korea's findings fabricated.
A joint South Korean military and U.N. Command investigation concluded that North Korean mines caused a September 21 blast that injured three South Korean soldiers.
Investigators said the mines were deliberately buried about 3 to 10 centimetres underground, roughly 10 metres south of the Military Demarcation Line.
Two soldiers suffered critical ankle injuries, while a third was slightly injured.
South Korea's military said it removed the minefield on Monday and may continue mine-removal operations if North Korea does not remove its mines.
North Korea denied responsibility; Kim Yo-jong called Seoul's findings fabricated and warned of retaliation if South Korea took corresponding action.
- Who
- Three South Korean soldiers were injured; South Korea's military and the U.N. Command investigated the blast.
- What
- A joint investigation concluded that mines deliberately planted by North Korea caused the blast; South Korea's military later removed the minefield.
- When
- The blast occurred on September 21; the investigation's conclusion and mine-removal operation were announced on Monday.
- Where
- Inside the Demilitarised Zone, about 10 metres south of the Military Demarcation Line.
- Why
- The investigation attributed the blast to mines it said North Korea had deliberately planted.
South Korea's findings
North Korea's response
Responsibility for the blast
South Korea's findings
South Korea's military and the U.N. Command concluded that North Korean mines were deliberately planted and caused the explosion.
North Korea's response
North Korea denied responsibility, and Kim Yo-jong dismissed Seoul's findings as fabricated.
South Korea's response
South Korea's findings
South Korea said it removed the minefield and would continue mine-removal operations if North Korea did not remove its mines; it called for an apology and removal of the mines.
North Korea's response
Kim Yo-jong warned of retaliation if South Korea took corresponding action.
- Blast date
- September 21
- Injuries
- Three South Korean soldiers were injured; two suffered critical ankle injuries and one had minor injuries.
- Investigators
- South Korea's military and the U.N. Command
- Mine location
- About 10 metres south of the Military Demarcation Line
- Burial depth
- About 3 to 10 centimetres underground
- Estimated installation
- The U.N. Command estimated the mines were placed roughly 12 months before the investigation.
- Mine-removal operation
- South Korea's military said it removed the minefield at about 12:51 p.m. Monday.