The United Nations Command (UNC) said a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the Korean Peninsula last week constituted a violation of the Armistice Agreement. The conclusion was reached following a joint investigation with the South Korean military.
In a statement on Wednesday, the UNC said investigators found an active North Korean landmine on the South Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). The finding formed the basis for determining that the incident violated the agreement governing the cessation of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula.
“Based on the findings of the investigation, the UNC determined that a violation of the Armistice Agreement had occurred,” the UNC said in an emailed statement.
The UNC said the case would be handled through mechanisms established under the Armistice Agreement. It also reaffirmed its mandate to maintain stability and prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.
The case stems from landmine explosions on September 21. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff had previously released preliminary findings from the joint investigation with the UNC. An antipersonnel mine made of resin and believed to have originated from North Korea was deemed “highly likely” to have caused the two explosions.
The incident left three South Korean soldiers injured. Two of them were reportedly in critical condition.
North Korea, however, denied involvement in the incident. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, rejected the findings on Wednesday and accused South Korea of manipulating the investigation.
Kim Yo Jong also warned of retaliatory action if Seoul took certain measures in response to the incident.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to the security situation around the DMZ, the heavily fortified area separating North and South Korea. The UNC said it remains committed to upholding the Armistice Agreement as part of efforts to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Fajar Santoso is a lifestyle and travel writer at RakyatPost who focuses on culture, tourism, modern living, and destination storytelling across Asia and beyond. With a passion for discovering unique experiences and local traditions, he creates engaging content that inspires readers to explore new places, lifestyles, and perspectives. His writing blends informative journalism with creative storytelling to deliver meaningful and reader-friendly travel and lifestyle coverage.
