In a recent development marking a peak in strained relations between North and South Korea, the deployment of tens of thousands of mines along the inter-Korean border by North Korean forces has sparked fresh concerns, according to 20 minutes.
Strategically Placed
The Korean War of 1950-1953 concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two nations technically at war, a situation that continues to impact their diplomatic ties to this day.
According to reports from Seoul's Ministry of Defense, North Korea has strategically placed these mines despite challenging weather conditions and difficult work environments, highlighting the harsh conditions endured by its soldiers.
Inadequate Living Conditions
The recent mine-laying operations have resulted in several explosions and casualties among North Korean troops, underscoring the perilous nature of these defensive measures along the already heavily fortified demilitarized zone.
Soldiers involved in these operations are depicted in official photographs carrying wooden crates containing mines, illustrating the dangerous tasks they undertake daily.
The Ministry of Defense further disclosed that these soldiers endure inadequate living conditions, with no weekends or rotations in duties, often working up to 13 hours per day under extreme weather conditions including sweltering heat and monsoon rains.
