South Korean jets drop bombs on civilian area

South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area in Pocheon during military exercises, injuring 15 people, with two in serious condition. The Air Force confirmed that two KF-16 jets released four MK-82 bombs each, all of which detonated in the civilian district, causing significant damage to homes, a church, and a greenhouse.

Military officials attributed the accident to a pilot entering incorrect coordinates, resulting in the bombs landing outside the designated training area. Pocheon, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Seoul near the North Korean border, has long been a site of military training that has drawn protests from local residents concerned about safety and disturbances.

Mayor Baeck Young-hyeun called on the government and military to take measures to prevent further civilian casualties. In response to the incident, authorities have temporarily suspended all live-fire exercises pending an investigation into what went wrong.

Despite this serious accident, military officials confirmed that the upcoming "Freedom Shield" joint exercises with the United States, scheduled to run from March 10-20, will proceed as planned. These annual drills aim to strengthen alliance readiness against potential North Korean threats, according to the Seoul Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The South Korean Air Force has established an investigative committee to determine the exact cause of the accident and assess civilian damages. This incident has intensified local concerns about military training near populated areas, with residents and activists questioning the safety protocols in place during such exercises.

The accident highlights the delicate balance between maintaining military readiness in a geopolitically sensitive region and ensuring civilian safety, especially in areas where training grounds are in close proximity to residential neighborhoods.