NewsSouth Korea braces for North Korean landmines after heavy rains

South Korea braces for North Korean landmines after heavy rains

Landmines pose an increasing threat to South Korea
Landmines pose an increasing threat to South Korea
Images source: © Getty Images | Seung-il Ryu/NurPhoto

17 July 2024 13:02

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik informed about another threat from North Korea. This time, it is about landmines that could impact the country's territory due to heavy rains.

The relationship between South Korea and North Korea has been marked by various provocations from Kim Jong Un's regime for many years. According to Yonhap news agency, the South Korean Ministry of Defense has just warned of another threat.

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik called for readiness against new provocations from the neighbour. This time, it's about landmines placed by North Korea near the border - there are tens of thousands of them. However, they could move to the southern side due to difficult weather conditions.

Landmines wash down with the rain. The military is on alert

Given that landmines are placed without any safeguards, heavy rains can cause the explosives to wash down. Moreover, the South Korean Ministry of Defense presented materials indicating that North Korea employs various forms of camouflage for the explosives.

Often, the mines resemble large leaves or are placed in wooden boxes. Officials estimate that in the last few months, the North Korean army has planted tens of thousands of mines near the border. They are meant to prevent further incidents related to illegal border crossings and entering the southern territory by Kim Jong Un's subordinates.

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