Accidental Bombing by KF-16 Fighter Jet Injures Civilians

Erroneous Bombing During Military Exercise in South Korea

In a concerning incident near the North Korean border, two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on a residential area during a military exercise. This mishap occurred due to pilots entering incorrect coordinates, leading to the release of eight Mark 82 bombs, each loaded with 89 kg of explosives. The explosion resulted in injuries to 15 people and significant damage to several structures, including a church. The exercise was part of a joint training operation with US forces in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. The affected area was immediately evacuated as authorities secured the site and searched for unexploded ordnance. The South Korean military has since launched an investigation into the incident and suspended all live-fire drills as a precaution. Local officials and residents have expressed their dissatisfaction, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with such military exercises in populated areas. There are calls for a reevaluation of these activities, with some advocating for their cessation altogether. The South Korean Air Force has issued an apology and committed to compensating those affected by the unintended bombing.