Fifteen people were injured in South Korea when fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during training for joint military drills with the United States. The incident occurred in Pocheon, near the border with North Korea, in preparation for the annual Freedom Shield exercise. The South Korean Air Force stated that the bombs were dropped outside the designated firing range due to pilot error in entering incorrect coordinates.
Two civilians were seriously injured, along with two soldiers and two foreign nationals with minor injuries. Several buildings were damaged in the area, including a chapel, houses, a warehouse, and a greenhouse. The air force announced the suspension of live-fire drills but confirmed that the Freedom Shield exercise would proceed as planned. The governing People Power Party called for a thorough investigation, support, and compensation for affected residents, and improved safety measures for training grounds near civilian areas.
U.S. Forces Korea and South Korean officials were conducting the combined live-fire drills in Pocheon, marking their first such exercise of the year. The Freedom Shield exercise aims to enhance the alliance’s defense capabilities against North Korean threats. North Korea’s increased partnership with Russia, including military support in Ukraine, has raised concerns about regional security. The South Korean government and opposition leaders have called for a swift recovery of the injured and a transparent investigation into the incident.
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