Suspected Mine Blast Near Demilitarized Zone Injures 2 S Korean Soldiers

A suspected landmine explosion south of the demilitarized zone separating South Korea from North Korea injured two South Korean soldiers, local media reported Tuesday, citing the military.

TOKYO (Sputnik) – A military official was quoted by the Yonhap agency as ruling out the possibility of North Korea’s direct involvement in the blast in the Gyeonggi Province’s northernmost county.

The two South Korean staff sergeants were carrying out a search mission Yeoncheon County near the heavily-fortified demilitarized zone early Tuesday when the suspected mine detonated.

The military official told the news organization the two soldiers were rushed to a military hospital. The official added that the explosion nearly severed the soldiers’ legs, but clarified that they were not in critical condition.