World News

South Korea blames North Korean mines for border blast that injured soldiers

Military officials demand an apology after concluding planted landmines wounded three patrol troops.

Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 10:50 UTC3 reports

The short version

South Korea's military concluded that North Korea planted landmines that exploded on September 21, injuring three South Korean soldiers.[Associated Press · ABC News]
Investigators from South Korea and the U.N. Command cited TNT residue analysis and an additional North Korean mine found nearby.[Associated Press · ABC News]
South Korean defense leadership demanded an official apology and the removal of remaining border mines under the armistice agreement.[Associated Press · ABC News]
North Korea previously denied responsibility for the incident and threatened merciless retaliation if provoked.[Associated Press · ABC News]

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff concluded that North Korean mines planted south of the border injured three soldiers creating a patrol route on September 21.[Associated Press · ABC News]
A joint inquiry with the American-led U.N. Command verified the cause via TNT residue and another nearby North Korean mine found days later.[Associated Press · ABC News]
Lt. Gen. Kwon Dae-won urged North Korea to offer a sincere apology and immediately remove the installed mines in compliance with the armistice.[Associated Press · ABC News]
North Korea previously denied responsibility for the explosions and warned it would launch merciless retaliation if provoked.[Associated Press · ABC News]

North Korea has rejected involvement in the blast, and it is uncertain whether it will comply with the apology or demining demands.[Associated Press · ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.