Doha: North Korea's construction of fences and placement of landmines along the inter-Korean border does not violate the 1953 Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War, responding to South Korea's claims of a breach.
According to Qatar News Agency, the UN Command stated that these activities are not considered violations as long as they remain north of the Military Demarcation Line and do not involve heavy weapons. The activities include building fences, roads, and laying mines on the northern side, which are permitted as they are seen as defensive and separation measures.
The UN Command explained that such actions are classified as civil administration rather than military fortifications and are therefore excluded from being considered violations of the armistice. This statement followed South Korea's earlier criticism of Pyongyang after reports emerged that North Korea had installed barbed-wire fences less than 100 meters from the border and cleared land for mine-laying within 5 to 10 meters of sensitive areas.
The Demilitarized Zone serves as a 4-km-wide buffer zone along the Military Demarcation Line, restricting troops and heavy weapons on both sides to reduce the likelihood of conflict.