Mine Blasts at Korea Border Raise Risk of Armed Clash After 3 Soldiers Injured

The two Koreas urgently need to restore military communication to prevent a landmine dispute in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from escalating into an armed clash, observers say[1]. The danger is growing as North Korea presses ahead with leader Kim Jong Un's order to fortify its side of the 4km-wide buffer zone separating it from the South[1].

South Korea views these works, including the laying of mines near the sparsely marked Military Demarcation Line (MDL) running through the centre, as a serious threat[1]. South Korea has demanded an apology from North Korea after landmine explosions in the DMZ injured three South Korean personnel earlier this month[4].

South Korea's defence minister said North Korean mines caused a blast last week that injured two South Korean personnel in the DMZ[5]. Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul told a parliamentary committee that the mines were North Korean and appeared to have been planted in the area as part of North Korea's border fortification work near the military demarcation line[5]. Kang said the incident violated the Korean War armistice agreement and warranted a response against Pyongyang[5].

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a thorough investigation into the landmine explosion[3]. Lee said Seoul will take "necessary measures" based on what the investigation finds[3]. He did not say what those measures might be[3]. The DMZ is one of the most heavily mined borders in the world[3].

North Korea on Wednesday denied planting the mines that wounded three South Korean soldiers in the DMZ on September 21[2]. Kim Jo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, rejected the accusation in a statement[2]. She warned of retaliation if South Korea escalates the dispute[2].