The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea stated today that the incident occurred on 30/7. A UAV appearing north of Gyeonggi province triggered a security alert in the heavily fortified border area.
South Korean forces could not identify the aircraft at the time. They raised their alert level and prepared to open fire, according to the JCS.
Officials also issued evacuation notices to residents in the Civilian Control Zone in Cheorwon and nearby areas.
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A US UAV during a live-fire drill in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, South Korea, in March. *Photo: Chosun Daily* |
However, the South Korean military later identified the target as a US UAV operating in the area. The JCS stated that South Korean military inspectors would visit the unit for further review of the incident.
US Forces Korea (USFK) confirmed on the same day that the UAV, which was almost shot down, belonged to the Marine Corps and was participating in a joint training exercise with South Korean forces. USFK is also evaluating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to Reuters, the incident highlights heightened sensitivity regarding air operations along the inter-Korean border, as tensions between the two sides show no signs of easing. North Korea continues to maintain a hostile stance toward South Korea and rejects reconciliation efforts.
Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters, AFP)
