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South Korean Air Force Apologizes for Accidental Bomb Release During Training Exercise
In a concerning incident on Thursday, South Korea’s air force released a statement of apology following an accidental drop of eight bombs from a fighter jet, which resulted in injuries to civilians during a training exercise.
The air force confirmed that “eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs were abnormally released from an air force KF-16 aircraft, landing outside the designated firing range.” In their statement, they expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to the safety and well-being of civilians: “We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties, and wish those injured a swift recovery.”
The National Fire Agency reported that four individuals sustained serious injuries, while three others incurred minor injuries. The unfortunate event took place around 10 am in Pocheon, approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of the heavily militarized border with North Korea.
In response to the incident, the military established an accident response committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the bomb release. They assured the public that “all necessary measures, including compensation for damages,” would be taken.
The air force indicated that the military jet had been involved in a joint live-fire exercise that included coordination with the army, as part of broader South Korean military drills, which were also being conducted in conjunction with the United States, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The National Fire Agency added that the bombs “were presumed to have fallen on a village during a South Korea-US joint exercise.” This mishap resulted in notable disruption, including the displacement of numerous residents and damage to local infrastructure, such as a church and parts of two homes.
A local resident, identified by the surname Park, recounted the panic he experienced during the explosion. He described watching television when an immense blast struck, comparing the sound to a thunderclap that shook his entire house. “When I went outside, everything was in chaos,” he remarked.
Nearby, at a senior center about a kilometer away, the explosion was felt as well, with the director, surnamed Yu, recounting, “A sudden explosion shook the building. The windows shattered, and one of our teachers was injured and taken to the hospital.” Fortunately, they noted that no seniors were harmed, but the incident frightened many residents, prompting the immediate dismissal of the seniors for their safety.
As tensions on the Korean Peninsula persist, the upcoming South Korea-US “Freedom Shield” military exercises later this month will signal a continuation of joint operations between the allies. The two Koreas remain technically in a state of war, as the 1950-1953 conflict ended in an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty. The United States plays a significant role in the defense of South Korea, stationing tens of thousands of troops in the region to counter potential threats from Pyongyang.
Source
www.theguardian.com