▲ This image, captured from survey footage and provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shows military personnel clearing a route during a joint survey with the U.N. Command inside the Demilitarized Zone on Sept. 26, 2026, ahead of an on-site investigation into the suspected mine blast that occurred south of the inter-Korean border earlier in the week. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 28 (Yonhap) -- North Korean land mines were highly likely the cause of a recent mine explosion inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), South Korea's military said Monday, vowing to hold Pyongyang "fully" accountable and take corresponding measures if confirmed.

The military announced its preliminary findings hours after revisiting the site of last Monday's explosion inside the DMZ separating the two Koreas, a blast that left two South Korean soldiers severely injured and another with minor injuries.

A second operation was carried out Monday to reach the area where the mines exploded and to collect evidence, following an unsuccessful attempt a day earlier due largely to fading daylight and other operational limitations.

Forensic analysis on mine fragments and other evidence found brown residue without metal fragments or shrapnel, suggesting that South Korean mines did not cause the blast, Lt. Gen. Kwon Dae-won, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a press briefing.

"Witness accounts note that a brown North Korean resin antipersonnel mine was spotted approximately one meter from the primary explosion site," Kwon said.

Considering the blast crater, flame patterns and the extent of the injuries, the evidence strongly points to North Korean land mines, he noted.

"Taking these factors into account, we have concluded that North Korean land mines were highly likely responsible for the explosion," Kwon said.

"If the final investigation confirms ... North Korea bears full responsibility for this incident, and our military will take appropriate and corresponding measures," he said.

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