South Korea begins demining operation within the DMZ

On October 1st, 2018, South Korea began demining operation of its side of the Demilitarized Zone, which is situated along the 38th parallel, as agreed upon earlier this week with North Korea. Taking place in what is known as "Arrow Head Hill" in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, this demining operation, expected to last until end of November, is a precursor to planned joint ROK-DPRK recovery operation of remains of soldiers killd during the Korean War. 

Although the area wasn't officially recorded to have been mined, it is possible that unrecorded mines and unexploded ordnance from three battles that took place during the Korean War are still remaining. It is estimated that around 300 remains of South Korea, US, and French soldiers are buried here.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, 80 combat engineers and 31 deminig equipment have been deployed. Two specific areas where most of the remains are believed to be located are being demined. Combat Engineers will sweep the areas in multiple phases with different equipment, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is on standby to remove any discovered mines and ordnance. MAKRI (Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed In Action Recovery & Identification) personnel and medical team are on standby to recover any discovered remains and to treat any wounded. Soldiers from local reconnaissance battalion will provide security during the time the operation takes place, which is two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon.

A road laying operation will take place in conjunction with demining operation. Expected to last until end of this year, this operation will create new 12 m wide and 1.7 km long road that will connect the local General Outpost (GOP) to the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). Five armored dozers are being deployed to carry out the operation. Once drainage and electrial and communication wirings are installed along the completed road, an office for joint ROK-DPRK operation will be constructed.

Once everything is complete, joint ROK-DPRK recovery operation of KIA/MIA will begin in April of next year. 

South Korean combat engineers search for mines.

South Korean soldier stands guard while press team survey the site.

South Korean military official stated that North Korea also began its operation beyond the ridge shown in this photo.

United Nations and South Korean flags at a South Korean GP (Guard Post).

5th Division GP located in Cheorwon County is the site of the operation.

This is the first time this area has been open to civilians.

South Korean combat engineers search for mines in a cordoned-off area.

South Korean soldier posts security during the operation.

Photo Credit: Joongang Ilbo

Preparation: 

40 engineers from local 5th Division.

40 engineers from 132nd Engineer Battalion, 6th Engineer Regiment.

60 sets of new mine-resistant suit.

200 armored vests and 30 protective equipment.

Various demining equipment.

Execution:

Demining operation: Oct 1st ~ Nov 16th

Roadlaying operation: Oct 1st ~ Nov 23rd

Combat engineers will sweep the area along the existing patrol route and widen the corridor.

Details of road the road laying operation.

Mission: 

1st phase: demining of the area & laying of 12 m wide & 1.7 km long road.

2nd phase: installation of drainage and electrical/communication wirings.

3rd phase: construction of joint ROK-DPRK office for follow-on operation.

1) Remove foliage

2) Flattening the ground / demining

3) Additional demining

4) Road laying

Photo Credit: Ministry of National Defense