South Korea on high alert: Heavy rains may shift North Korean landmines
8:58 AM EDT, July 17, 2024
South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik has reported another threat from North Korea. This time, it concerns landmines that could affect South Korean territory due to heavy rains.
The relationship between South Korea and North Korea has long been marked by various provocations from Kim Jong Un's regime. According to the Yonhap news agency, the South Korean Ministry of Defense has just issued a new warning.
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik has called for readiness against new North Korean provocations. This time, it's about landmines placed by North Korea near the border—there are tens of thousands of them. Due to the heavy rains, these mines could move to the southern side.
Landmines wash down with the rain. The military is on alert
Because the landmines are placed without any safeguards, heavy rains can cause the explosives to wash down. Additionally, the South Korean Ministry of Defense has 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 the entering of southern territory by Kim Jong Un's subordinates.