North Korea Plants ‘Tens of Thousands’ of Landmines on Border: Seoul Raises Alarms

In a chilling escalation of border defenses, North Korea has recently laid tens of thousands of new landmines along its border, subjecting its soldiers to harsh conditions and significant risk, according to South Korean authorities. This aggressive move by Pyongyang has intensified concerns and highlighted the perilous state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula.

The South Korean defense ministry reported on Wednesday that despite the extreme heat and monsoon season, the North Korean military has been actively placing mines and erecting fences along the front-line areas. The newly planted mines are estimated to be in the tens of thousands, further fortifying the already heavily mined demilitarized zone (DMZ).

The process has been far from smooth, with at least ten incidents of mine explosions resulting in multiple casualties among the soldiers tasked with this hazardous job. These soldiers have been forced to work under grueling conditions, living in inadequate barracks, and enduring long hours without weekends or changes in duty. They typically work 12 to 13 hours a day, a testament to the severe demands placed upon them.

Photographic evidence released by the South Korean defense ministry paints a grim picture of the situation. One photo shows three soldiers carrying wooden boxes identified as landmines, while another depicts a group of soldiers transporting an injured comrade on a stretcher, likely a casualty of one of the mine explosions.

The South Korean military is now on high alert, bracing for potential defections by North Korean soldiers who might be driven to flee due to the deplorable working conditions. There is also the looming threat of further breaches into South Korean territory as tensions continue to mount.

Relations between the two Koreas have deteriorated significantly, reaching one of their lowest points in years. Earlier this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared South Korea as his "principal enemy" and dismantled agencies dedicated to reunification, further escalating security measures along the border.

In recent months, North Korean troops have inadvertently crossed the border multiple times, incidents that Seoul attributes to the intensified efforts to bolster defenses. Additionally, North Korea has ramped up its weapons testing and grown closer to Russia, raising further alarm. Seoul has accused Pyongyang of supplying arms to Moscow for use in the Ukraine war, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.

The recent developments underscore the precarious nature of the Korean Peninsula's security environment. As North Korea continues to fortify its border with extensive landmine deployments, the international community watches with concern, aware that any miscalculation could have severe consequences.