Friday, March 7

Dozens were injured after a South Korean fighter jet accidentally bombed a village near the border with North Korea yesterday.

Several South Korean fighter jets were conducting live-fire training drills with United States troops yesterday during a routine exercise when the mishap occurred. The jets flew over the town of Pocheon as they released their bombs, which were set to hit a firing range away from the city.

However, at least one pilot seems to have entered the wrong coordinates into their system. Instead, several bombs were dropped onto an area known as Nogok, located on the outskirts of the city of Pocheon. Multiple buildings were destroyed, and dozens of people were injured-- at least four people needed surgery after the explosions.

Windows were shattered, roof tiles were broken, walls were damaged, and some trees fell down as well. The city's mayor described the area as "chaotic" and stated that it "looks like a battlefield," truly giving perspective as to the amount of damage done during the bombing.

The South Korean government quickly responded to the situation, promising compensation for the victims of the incident. They also halted all other live-fire drills until an investigation is complete, and investigators have promised transparency with the entire operation.

Due to the location of Pocheon near the North Korean border, it is used frequently for training sessions, which many residents have been unhappy about due to other incidents involving stray bullets and other mishaps.

However, these specific training drills are part of the lead-up to the Freedom Shield next week, which is a yearly event where the South Korean and American militaries train during 11 days of joint exercises. While many American troops are just beginning to arrive in South Korea for the event, there are already 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea to deter North Korean attacks, meaning that many drills repeat year-round.

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