South Korea Blames North Korean Mines for DMZ Blast

South Korea's military said in late September 2026 that a blast in the Demilitarized Zone was highly likely caused by North Korean land mines, and that one North Korean mine was found near the site. The defense minister said the mine had been planted there, and the defense chief linked the incident to North Korean border fortification work.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader, denied that North Korean mines caused the DMZ blast and threatened retaliation. South Korean parties called for a firm response.