N. Korea likely planted 960,000 land mines along inter-Korean border since 2024: lawmakers

What happened: South Korean lawmakers said the military estimated North Korea has planted about 960,000 land mines along the inter-Korean border since 2024, part of border fortification after Pyongyang declared a "two hostile states" policy. Key numbers: 960,000 land mines estimated since 2024; more than 2 million mines Why it matters: Tensions have heightened along the border after the Sept. 21 blast, which Seoul attributed to North Korean mines. Pyongyang denied responsibility and threatened to resume anti-Seoul loudspeaker broadcasts and deploy tactical weapons along the border.

South Korean lawmakers said the military estimated North Korea has planted about 960,000 land mines along the inter-Korean border since 2024, part of border fortification after Pyongyang declared a "two hostile states" policy.

Tensions have heightened along the border after the Sept. 21 blast, which Seoul attributed to North Korean mines. Pyongyang denied responsibility and threatened to resume anti-Seoul loudspeaker broadcasts and deploy tactical weapons along the border.