Two North Korean Wooden Box Mines Found in Yeonpyeongdo and Inje... Joint Chiefs of Staff Say "No Explosion Risk"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyo-jin] Two wooden box mines operated by the North Korean military were found on Yeonpyeong Island in Ongjin-gun, Incheon, and in Inje-gun, Gangwon-do.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on the 16th, "A total of 19 mines were collected through a mine search operation conducted in the frontline area since the 3rd of this month," adding, "Among them, two are wooden box mines operated by the North Korean military."

The two wooden box mines, found as wooden boxes without detonators or explosives, were confirmed to pose no explosion risk. The remaining 17 mines were identified as anti-personnel mines operated by the South Korean military.

The military estimates that the North Korean wooden box mines and friendly mines were washed away due to the recent continuous heavy rains.

As the possibility of mine loss in the border area increased due to the ongoing heavy rains, the military has deployed about 3,300 personnel since the 3rd of this month to conduct mine search operations.

On the 17th, approximately 500 soldiers who had been involved in rear air defense position mine removal operations and about 100 pieces of equipment, including non-metallic mine detectors, will be additionally deployed to the frontline area to conduct a comprehensive mine search operation in the border area.

The United States Forces Korea (USFK) are also expected to participate in this operation. The US military will deploy mine detection teams and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units to the area around Cheorwon.

A Joint Chiefs of Staff official said, "If you see objects resembling mines, do not move or touch them directly, and report to the military unit (☎1338) or police station (☎112)." He added, "We will promptly handle the situation to ensure the safety of local residents and soldiers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.