The South Korean air force announced on Thursday that during a training exercise, eight bombs were unintentionally dropped outside of the designated area, causing injuries to civilians. The incident took place in Pocheon, approximately 25km south of the militarized border with North Korea, around 10am local time.

The air force expressed regret for the incident, which resulted in civilian casualties, and extended their wish for a speedy recovery to those injured. They have established a committee to investigate the incident and pledged to take essential measures, including providing compensation for damages.

The military jet involved in the accident was participating in a live-fire exercise that included both the South Korean Air Force and Army.

South Korea, along with the United States, was conducting joint live-fire drills in the same area on Thursday, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

The South Korean National Fire Agency confirmed that the bombs likely landed in a village during the joint exercise, resulting in both casualties and property damage. Several individuals were seriously injured, while others suffered minor injuries. Damage was also reported to a church building and parts of two houses.

The “Freedom Shield” military exercises, which are held annually and involve both South Korea and the US, are scheduled to commence later this month. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war since the 1950-1953 conflict did not conclude with a peace treaty. The US maintains a significant military presence in South Korea to provide security and protection against potential threats from North Korea.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/6/south-korea-says-military-jet-misdropped-bombs-injuring-civilians?traffic_source=rss