Military exercises along the Korean Peninsula are a routine display of strength, but they also come with risks.
In a rare and alarming incident, a South Korean fighter jet accidentally released multiple bombs during a joint drill with the United States, leading to civilian casualties.
Bombs Dropped Outside Designated Area
The South Korean Air Force confirmed that one of its KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs during a live-fire exercise on Thursday morning.
The bombs, each weighing 225 kilograms, exploded outside the designated training zone in Pocheon, a city located about 25 kilometers south of the North Korean border.
According to a statement from the Air Force, the accident happened around 10:00 a.m. local time. The aircraft was participating in a joint training exercise involving both the South Korean and U.S. militaries.
Civilians Injured, Buildings Damaged
As reported by HotNews, 15 civilians were injured in the accident, including two in critical condition.
Several homes and a church sustained damage from the explosions. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the area, and authorities are assessing the full extent of the destruction.
South Korea’s military expressed deep regret over the incident and assured that those affected would receive compensation.
Investigation Underway
The South Korean military has launched an investigation into the cause of the malfunction and is reviewing safety protocols for future exercises.
This accident comes just weeks before South Korea and the U.S. are set to conduct their annual "Freedom Shield" drills, aimed at countering potential threats from North Korea.
With tensions between the two Koreas at their highest point in decades, the incident adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile security situation in the region.
