JCS Conducts Mine Clearance Operation Around Rear Air Defense Positions

On the 28th, soldiers from the South-North Joint Remains Excavation Task Force were removing landmines in the Hwasalmori area, located within the Civilian Control Zone in Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon Province, on the South Korean side. The Ministry of National Defense announced that from April 1 to May 22, a total of 321 remains were excavated, along with 22,808 personal effects. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) will commence a mine clearance operation around 36 air defense positions in rear areas. Considering the situation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the operation will start later than planned. The operation areas include Geumseongsan in Gyeongbuk and Cheonseongsan in Gyeongnam.

According to the JCS on the 6th, about 1,400 personnel from 26 engineer units of the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps will be deployed for this operation. The goal is to complete the operation by the end of 2021. The areas around the cleared air defense positions are planned to be used as hiking trails for local residents.

The military has introduced the latest non-metallic mine detectors and strengthened personal mine protection equipment. This mine clearance operation will be conducted sequentially with thorough quarantine measures considering regional situations, while prioritizing the safety of operational personnel.

A JCS official stated, "Access control around the operation areas is inevitable during the mine clearance operation," and urged, "Active understanding and cooperation from the relevant local governments and the public are necessary."