Flooding Could Push North Korean Landmines into South Korea, Warns Military

South Korea's military has warned that recent floods may sweep North Korean landmines over their border. This comes as North Korea has placed tens of thousands of new explosives and bolstered its defenses since April. Concerns about North Korean provocations have increased, especially following threats from Kim Yo Jong.

South Korea's military warned Wednesday that recent flooding could sweep North Korean landmines into South Korea, adding to the tension along the heavily fortified border. The North has recently placed tens of thousands of additional deadly explosives along the border.

The recent minelaying is part of broader border construction by North Korea that includes anti-tank barriers and road fortifications, initiated in April. South Korean officials suspect that North Korea aims to enhance its security posture to prevent defections.

Amid these concerns, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff warned that summer rains might wash the mines across the border or that North Korea could deliberately send mines downriver as a provocation. These fears have been exacerbated by threats from Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, regarding South Korean activists' leafleting campaigns.