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U.S. condemns N. Korea's planting of landmines

The United States on Tuesday condemned North Korea for planting landmines along its border with South Korea after the mines exploded and maimed two South Korean soldiers.

The two staff sergeants lost their legs -- one of them both legs and the other one leg -- when the landmines exploded on Aug. 4 during their patrol mission on the southern side of the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas.

"A United Nations Command Special Investigation Team determined the North Korean People's Army violated sections of the Armistice Agreement by placing land mines along a known ROK patrol route," State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.

"We join the UN Command in condemning these violations of the Armistice Agreement," he said.

Toner also said the U.S. extends "our deepest sympathies" to the victims and their families.

He said the U.S. remains in close communication and coordination with the South Korean government.

The North's provocation further aggravated the already high tensions between the two Koreas.

In retaliation, South Korea resumed a propaganda loudspeaker campaign along the border. North Korea bristles at such psychological warfare campaigns, as it is concerned the broadcasts would weaken a tight lid the regime has maintained on outside information.

South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo has vowed retaliation for the North Korean provocation, instructing military servicemen in the affected area to react to any provocation by the enemy "confidently, resolutely and without hesitation." (Yonhap)