A military joint exercise involving South Korean fighter jets mistakenly bombed the village of Nogok, resulting in seven injuries, two of them serious. The military is currently investigating the incident and has temporarily halted all live-fire drills.
South Korean Military Drill Results in Accidental Bombing of Village
South Korean Military Drill Results in Accidental Bombing of Village
An unfortunate mishap during a military exercise near the North Korean border injures seven civilians in South Korea.
In a shocking turn of events, seven individuals were injured when South Korean fighter jets inadvertently shelled the village of Nogok, situated close to the North Korean border. The incident occurred during a military drill conducted in conjunction with the United States armed forces on Thursday.
According to military officials, the two F-15K jets were each set to drop four bombs on a designated target area; however, erroneous coordinates input by at least one pilot resulted in the missiles hitting residences in Nogok. Reports indicate that two people sustained serious injuries but remain stable, as confirmed by local health authorities in Pocheon, the town encompassing Nogok.
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaotic moment when an explosion, likened to an earthquake, shook the village, severely affecting homes and infrastructure. The blast shattered windows and damaged several buildings, including a Catholic church. Local news imagery shows significant destruction, including the disintegration of sections of roofs and walls.
In response to the disastrous error, the South Korean military announced the suspension of all live-fire exercises pending the outcome of the investigation. This particular drill was associated with the larger annual military exercises known as Freedom Shield, which are anticipated to commence formally next week.
Simultaneously, North Korea reacted strongly, condemning the military activities as hostile. Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, voiced criticism against the U.S. administration for continuing these joint military drills. She hinted that North Korea might revisit its nuclear weapons testing as the tensions escalate further.
While the South Korean Air Force publicly expressed regret and assured that compensation for victims will be forthcoming, the incident adds fuel to the already strained relations in the region. As the situation develops, the focus remains on the ongoing investigations and how military protocols will be reviewed to prevent such critical errors in the future.
