Fifteen people were injured in South Korea when fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during training for the annual U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise, Freedom Shield. The incident occurred in Pocheon, a city near the border with North Korea. The South Korean Air Force stated that the bombs were released outside the designated firing range due to pilot error, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause. Live-fire drills have been suspended, but the Freedom Shield exercise will proceed as planned.
Two civilians and two soldiers were among the injured, with eight buildings sustaining damage. The South Korean Air Force expressed regret for the civilian damage and promised compensation. The governing party called for a transparent investigation, support for affected residents, and enhanced safety measures for training near civilian areas. Opposition leaders also called for a thorough investigation.
The U.S. and South Korean forces were conducting combined live-fire drills in Pocheon prior to the incident. The Freedom Shield exercise aims to strengthen the alliance’s defense against threats from North Korea. The country has been enhancing its partnership with Russia since the last exercise, including sending support for the war in Ukraine. U.S. Forces Korea referred all requests for comment to the South Korean military.
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