F-16 fighter jet bombs South Koreans: Death toll kept secret... Is the US behind the attack?

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

South Korea stated that civilians were injured after an F-16 fighter jet accidentally dropped bombs. The South Korean Air Force reported that eight bombs were released outside the target area during a training exercise. While it was reported that Koreans died as a result of the bombing, the number of people who lost their lives was not disclosed. It was stated that the accident occurred during a joint military exercise between South Korea and the US. The South Korean National Fire Agency reported that 4 of their citizens were 'seriously' injured.

According to officials, the incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. (01:00 GMT) in Pocheon, about 25 km (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with nuclear-armed North Korea. Announcing that an accident response committee has been established to investigate the incident, the South Korean government stated that 'all necessary measures, including compensation for damages, will be taken.'

In a statement made by the Air Force today (March 6), the following expressions were used:

'Eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs were abnormally released from a KF-16 aircraft and fell outside the designated firing range. We are deeply saddened by the unintended release of the bombs that caused civilian casualties and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured.'

According to the Yonhap News Agency, the Air Force said the military jet was ''participating in a joint live-fire exercise involving both the Air Force and the Army.'' South Korea was conducting a combined live-fire exercise with the US in Pocheon on Thursday.

The South Korean National Fire Agency reported that the bombs were 'estimated to have fallen on a village during the South Korea-US joint exercise.' While numerous first aid teams were dispatched to the region, Korean police took security measures in the area.

Local media claimed that the F-16 dropped 8 bombs, only 1 of which exploded. While Korean officials did not confirm the claim, no detailed information was provided regarding the details of the accident.

LOSS OF LIFE ACKNOWLEDGED

In the government's statement regarding the incident, it was noted that the accident 'caused loss of life and property damage, and many villagers were displaced,' while four people were seriously injured and three were slightly injured. It also shared information that a church building and parts of two houses were damaged.

The South Korea-US joint 'Freedom Shield' military exercise was scheduled to begin at the end of this month. It was stated that the accident occurred during an exercise conducted by the US and South Korea against North Korea earlier today.

The two Koreas are technically still at war since the conflict between 1950-1953 ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. The US keeps tens of thousands of troops in South Korea against North Korea.

News Source: 12punto