North Korea continues border fortification and landmine placement near MDL

North Korea is continuing its fortification of the border near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), despite recent landmine explosions that injured South Korean soldiers. The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korean forces have been engaged in landmine installation, tactical road construction, and the deployment of barbed wire since April 2024, following a policy of treating inter-Korean relations as “hostile states.”

Evidence suggests North Korean landmine activity is not limited to the western front. In the central front, under the 15th Infantry Division, South Korean military intelligence identified signs of excavation and North Korean soldiers carrying mine containers near the MDL. Satellite imagery has also identified several suspected minefields potentially located south of the MDL.

In addition to fortification, North Korean troops have repeatedly crossed the MDL, with approximately 20 violations reported in August and 30 in September. While Kim Yo-jong has threatened to increase “tactical counterattack means” in response to South Korean warning broadcasts, the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that no specific unusual movements have been identified regarding heavy weaponry deployment at this time. South Korean authorities are currently conducting follow-up investigations and considering responsive measures.