A South Korean village located near the North Korean border was mistakenly bombarded by two South Korean fighter jets during a joint exercise with the United States military, resulting in seven individuals injured and damage to both homes and a church. The jets had dropped four bombs each, intended for a target several miles away, but at least one South Korean pilot had entered incorrect coordinates. Two of the injured people had severe wounds, according to Pocheon officials, who also reported that none of the victims were in critical condition.

The South Korean military has suspended all live-fire drills while an investigation is conducted. The Thursday event was part of annual joint exercises, known as Freedom Shield, which the South Korean and U.S. military conduct annually and are scheduled to officially begin on Monday.

No comment has been made by the United States military. A local woman in Nogok described the incident as an “earthquake-like” explosion that shattered windows in her home and in neighboring homes. Her residence was 700 feet from the area with the most significant damage.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/world/asia/south-korea-jets-bomb-village.html