Seoul is seeking a formal apology from Pyongyang and a cessation of border construction projects after landmines injured 3 of its troops in the Demilitarized Zone last week. The South Korean military attributed the blast to North Korean munitions, which the UN Command confirmed were located south of the Military Demarcation Line, constituting a violation of the armistice agreement.

North Korea has dismissed the findings as fabricated and groundless, warning that South Korea will pay a price for blaming Pyongyang. The incident involved mines that the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff believe were planted just over a year ago during North Korean fortification work. Pyongyang further threatened to retaliate if South Korean forces open fire on its troops.