A village near the North Korean border was mistakenly bombed on Thursday by two fighter jets from South Korea’s air force, leaving 15 people injured and damaging homes and a church. The jets were taking part in a joint exercise with the United States military when each of them dropped four bombs.
According to South Korea’s military, at least one pilot entered inaccurate coordinates, causing the bombs to fall short of their intended target. Four of the injured people required surgery, while seven suffered shock and minor scratches from falling down.
The South Korean Air Force has suspended all live-fire drills until an investigation is carried out. The incident occurred during annual joint exercises known as Freedom Shield, which are set to begin on Monday.
Photos showed significant damage to a village house, including blown-away walls and a damaged church, as well as torn branches from pine trees. The South Korean Air Force apologized and promised compensation for the victims.
Mayor Baek Young-hyun of Pocheon condemned the incident, stating that it was “utterly chaotic” and demanded an end to military firing ranges in the area until safety measures are in place.
The US military expressed concern over the incident, saying it would conduct a thorough investigation. North Korea has previously criticized joint exercises with South Korea as rehearsals for war.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/world/asia/south-korea-jets-bomb-village.html