South Korea Investigates DMZ Explosion Linked to North Korean Landmines

South Korea has indicated that a recent explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which resulted in injuries to three military personnel, may have been caused by North Korean landmines. The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported on Monday that preliminary findings from an investigation conducted with the United Nations Command suggest that recently planted landmines were involved. Army Lieutenant-General Kwon Dae-won stated, "Taking into account the crater and the pattern of the flames from the explosion, the extent of the injuries sustained by the service members … we assess that North Korean landmines are highly suspected to have caused the blast." He noted that the explosion site was approximately 10 meters (33 feet) from an area where terrain changes were observed, indicating recent North Korean mining activity. The explosion occurred on September 21 in the western sector of the DMZ, which divides North and South Korea, and resulted in severe injuries to three South Korean military officers. The DMZ is known to contain an estimated 2 million mines, which have historically caused injuries to military personnel. The DMZ stretches 248 kilometers (154 miles) long and 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) wide and remains heavily fortified. The Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice, leaving the two Koreas technically still at war. Relations between South Korea and North Korea have worsened in recent years, particularly following the collapse of negotiations between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. In 2024, Kim referred to South Korea as North Korea's "principal enemy," and since then, North Korea has reportedly increased its mining activities and constructed anti-tank barriers along the border. Kwon stated that if the investigation confirms North Korea's responsibility, South Korea's military will take appropriate measures.