▲ This image, provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), shows various types of North Korean land mines at risk of flowing into the South during heavy downpours, on July 7, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

NK landmines-downpours

Military cautions against N. Korean land mines flowing into South during heavy rains

SEOUL, July 7 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean military on Tuesday cautioned against North Korean land mines in border areas that could be swept into the South during heavy downpours, officials said.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) made the call as North Korea is known to have placed a number of land mines on the northern side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas.

The planted mines could be washed into the South via the Han River estuary through inter-Korean rivers, including Imjin, Hantan and Bukhan rivers, according to the JCS.

"There is a potential risk that the land mines planted around the border areas could be dislodged and may flow into our area in the event of heavy downpours," the JCS said in a notice.

The JCS urged the public to refrain from approaching unidentified objects and to immediately report any suspected land mine to police or a nearby military unit.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]