North Korea replaces all border guards after soldier defections

North Korea is believed to have replaced all security forces in the border area after a soldier defected to South Korea across the demilitarized zone.

"Signs have been detected that North Korea replaced all security personnel at the border following the defection," Yonhap quoted a South Korean intelligence source as saying.

"In this case, it is likely that the commanders and senior officers of the military unit responsible (for the defection) have been disciplined," the source said.

According to the source, North Korea appears to have temporarily closed the bridge for 72 hours, located north of the Joint Security Area (JSA) and also the only way to enter the area.

A North Korean soldier points a camera at a South Korean soldier at the Joint Security Area (JSA). Photo: Japan Times.

The incident occurred on November 13 when a North Korean soldier crossed the inter-Korean border at the truce village of Panmunjom. The soldier collapsed after reaching the South Korean side, seriously injured after repeated gunshots from North Korean forces.

The man is believed to have the surname "Oh", according to two South Korean newspapers, the Korean Herald and Dong-a Ilbo. South Korean media reported that Oh is currently in stable condition at the hospital and is able to communicate with doctors.

The site of the defection is located in the Joint Security Area in the truce village of Panmunjom on the inter-Korean border. Graphics: Korea Times.

The moment a North Korean soldier defected and was seriously woundedThe United Nations Command has just released video footage of a North Korean soldier being shot multiple times by his comrades while trying to flee to the South Korean side at the truce village of Panmunjom.

According to Zing