Northern Wooden Box Mine Warning... During Military Search Operation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Military authorities have issued a warning regarding North Korean wooden box mines. North Korea has been releasing water from the Hwanggang Dam on the upper Imjin River without prior notice for several days, raising concerns about potential explosions caused by displaced wooden box mines in the frontline area.

According to military authorities on the 10th, approximately 200mm of rain fell in North Korea from the 6th to the 9th, and heavy rain is expected in Hwanghae Province and South Hamgyong Province until tomorrow.

As heavy rain poured, North Korea released water from the Hwanggang Dam on the upper Imjin River without prior notice. Consequently, the water level at Pilsunggyo, located at the southern limit line of the northernmost Imjin River, rose to 5.9m on the 8th, forcing nearby residents to spend sleepless nights. As of 6 a.m. on the 10th, the water level at Pilsunggyo has dropped to 2.8m, but the possibility that wooden box mines were swept downstream due to North Korea’s unauthorized water release cannot be ruled out.

A military official stated, "Mines displaced in the frontline area could have entered patrol roads along the Han River estuary or docks, so search operations are underway."