China News Service, Seoul, August 14 (Reporter Zeng Nai) According to the South Korean military, 12 mines washed away by heavy rain have been found along the border between South Korea and North Korea, and plans to expand the scale of mine clearance.
Since August, torrential rains have continued in many parts of South Korea, causing severe flooding, which has killed more than 30 people and affected more than 7,800 people. The South Korean government has listed 18 areas as areas affected by heavy rains.
The border between South Korea and North Korea is also plagued by rain. According to the South Korean Ministry of National Defense, front-line troops have been looking for landmines that may be washed away from the Korean Demilitarized Zone or other areas. At present, 12 have been found, and access control has been implemented to relevant areas. According to the Ministry of National Defense, the military has increased its response level and is fully prepared for heavy rains.
According to South Korean media quoted from the South Korean Army’s Joint Staff Headquarters, starting next week, troops and equipment will be increased, and the scale of mine clearance will be increased. The inspection area will be expanded to the entire border area, such as border villages where mudslides and landslides occur; The US military in South Korea also plans to operate with the South Korean army.
During the Korean War, the warring parties buried a large number of mines on the Korean Peninsula, some of which are still buried on the border between South Korea and North Korea. At the end of July 2010, affected by the flood, landmines were blasted into South Korea and exploded, causing one death and one injury. (Finish)