Seven individuals were injured when shells mistakenly landed in a civilian area of South Korea on Thursday, reports local broadcaster YTN.
The incident occurred in the town of Pocheon, approximately 40 kilometers north of Seoul, around 10:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT), when two shells impacted two residential houses.
Of the injured, four sustained serious wounds while three others experienced minor injuries. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, providing necessary medical aid to the affected residents.
The shelling happened amid a combined live-fire exercise conducted by South Korea and the United States in Pocheon. The drills involved over 160 pieces of military hardware, including tanks, self-propelled howitzers, helicopters, and stealth jets, aimed at enhancing joint operational readiness.
Officials from both nations have expressed concern over the accidental impact on civilian areas and are reviewing the circumstances to prevent future incidents. The safety of civilians remains a top priority as military exercises continue to play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com