Military Warns Of Increased Risk Of Landmines Unearthed By Flooding

Reporter Ron Chang ㅣ 2020-08-07 16:48

Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and other officials speak to soldier aiding recovery work in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, after heavy rains in the region.

The defense ministry is warning the public of increased dangers of landmines in areas south of the inter-Korean border, following days of heavy rainfall and flooding.

The ministry said Friday that frontline units launched an operation earlier in the day to locate and remove any landmines that were unearthed by floods or mudslides and swept downstream.

Millions of landmines are believed to have been laid on the peninsula during the Korean War, particularly in the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone.

An official of the ministry said the landmines could also be packed in wooden boxes and urged extreme caution if they are found by civilians.

Local authorities or police should be called immediately if any suspected explosives are discovered.

<Photo: Yonhap News>