North Korea Denies Planting DMZ Mines, Accuses South of Conspiracy

North Korea has denied planting land mines that injured three South Korean soldiers near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) last week, with Kim Yo Jong, a powerful figure in Pyongyang, accusing Seoul of orchestrating a conspiracy. The denial comes as North Korea hardens its stance toward Seoul and expands its military nuclear program, further escalating tensions between the two Koreas.

The incident occurred on September 21, when two explosions injured three South Korean soldiers in the western section of the DMZ, a heavily fortified buffer zone separating the Koreas. South Korea's military announced a preliminary assessment that the blasts were caused by North Korean mines, based on a joint inspection with the U.S.-led United Nations Command.

During a follow-up inspection, investigators discovered another North Korean mine, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff. The UN Command stated that North Korea had violated the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1953, which prohibits hostile acts within, from, or against the DMZ and restricts crossing the military demarcation line without authorization.

Kang Hyunwoo, director of operations for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, urged North Korea to apologize and take responsibility. South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul indicated that the South would consider unspecified "corresponding measures" if the investigation confirms North Korea's culpability.

Kim Yo Jong, widely considered the second most powerful figure in North Korea, dismissed the South Korean assessment as a "conspiratorial farce," alleging that Seoul was fabricating claims to justify provocations. She criticized South Korea for broadcasting warnings and firing warning shots at North Korean troops engaged in fortification work along the border, asserting that North Korean soldiers have not crossed the demarcation line.

"If the (South Korean) military gangsters fire at our soldiers carrying on the permanent project for the southern border, not warning shots, our border units will take immediate and merciless retaliatory action," Kim stated.

North Korea has been increasing its border fortifications, including mines and anti-tank barriers, raising concerns in the South. The recent explosions occurred approximately 10 yards south of the military demarcation line, during an operation to establish a patrol route. This route was intended for future joint inspections with the UN Command, following South Korea's detection of "terrain changes" that suggested North Korean minelaying.

The DMZ, a 155-mile strip, remains one of the world's most heavily fortified borders, with an estimated 2 million land mines, barbed-wire fences, tank traps, and substantial military presence on both sides. A similar series of land mine blasts in August 2015 injured two South Korean soldiers and led to a period of heightened tensions, though a diplomatic resolution was eventually reached. North Korea offered a vague expression of regret at the time but did not clearly accept responsibility.