South Korea Says North Korean Mines Likely Caused DMZ Blast Injuring Three

South Korea's military said Monday that North Korean landmines are highly suspected of causing twin explosions on Sept. 21 in the western DMZ that injured three South Korean soldiers, two seriously and one lightly. Kwon Dae-won of the Joint Chiefs announced the preliminary findings after a joint investigation with the United Nations Command. The blasts occurred about 10 meters south of the Military Demarcation Line as an 18-member team withdrew from a patrol-route operation after terrain changes detected last year. The first blast occurred as a soldier stepped forward; the second as the commander and intelligence officer approached the wounded soldier. Soldiers spotted a third suspected North Korean mine while retreating and were airlifted for treatment. Forensic analysis detected TNT and unidentified brown substances on a helmet, vests and rifles. The absence of metal fragments was cited as evidence against South Korean or allied mines. Kwon said: "We assess that North Korean landmines are highly suspected to have caused the blast." He said if the final investigation confirms, "We will hold North Korea fully responsible for this. Our military will take appropriate and corresponding measures." Defence Minister Kang Shin Chul had vowed "appropriate, substantial and corresponding" measures if confirmed. The final investigation is not complete. CONTESTED: none found.