By M10News International Desk
A North Korean soldier has defected to South Korea after crossing one of the world’s most fortified borders, the South Korean military confirmed on Sunday.
Soldier Crossed the Central Demilitarised Zone
South Korean troops apprehended the defector after crossing the central section of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.
Officials added that the soldier immediately expressed a desire to resettle in the South.
Rare Border Crossing
It marks the first known case of a North Korean soldier defecting across the land border since a similar escape by a staff sergeant several years ago.
Such crossings are rare due to the DMZ’s extensive defences, which make escape attempts extraordinarily dangerous.
A Border Guarded Like a Fortress
Despite being called the “demilitarised zone,” the 248-kilometre-long and four-kilometre-wide buffer is anything but peaceful.
The area is lined with barbed wire fences, tank traps and millions of landmines, and is constantly patrolled by armed troops on both sides.
Past Defections Marked by Gunfire
In one of the most dramatic incidents in 2017, a North Korean soldier was shot several times by his own comrades while sprinting across the border.
South Korean soldiers managed to drag him to safety as around 40 rounds were fired during his escape.
Most Defectors Come Through China
The vast majority of North Koreans who flee the reclusive state do so through China, which shares a lengthy and more porous border with the country.
Since the end of the 1950–53 Korean War, about 34,000 North Koreans have resettled in the South, according to official figures.
Tense Cross-Border Relations
Relations between the two Koreas remain severely strained despite repeated calls for dialogue from Seoul.
North Korea has dismissed recent outreach efforts from South Korea’s liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June, vowing to seek improved ties.
Military Investigating Motive and Route
South Korean intelligence officials are now questioning the soldier to determine his motives, rank, and how he managed to breach the border undetected.
Military analysts say such a crossing would likely have required careful timing to avoid detection by both North Korean and South Korean forces.
A Defection with Political Weight
Defections across the DMZ often carry political implications, with Pyongyang condemning such acts as treachery.
Observers note that the latest defection comes amid rising tension over North Korea’s recent weapons tests and continued military drills near the border.
Symbol of Growing Desperation
Experts believe defections by soldiers may indicate worsening morale within North Korea’s military, as the country continues to grapple with economic isolation and food shortages.
“The fact that a soldier risked crossing such a deadly barrier shows a deep sense of desperation,” said a Seoul-based security analyst.
Regional Reaction
The South Korean government has not released the soldier’s identity but said humanitarian protocols will be followed in line with international law.
The case is expected to strain already further frosty relations between the two nations.
M10News International Desk | Contact: world@m10news.com
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