South Korea charges air force pilots after accidental village bombing

• South Korea’s military charged two air force pilots with criminal negligence for mistakenly bombing a civilian village during training. The incident injured at least 29 people near the North Korean border.
• Investigators found the pilots entered incorrect target coordinates, causing KF-16 fighter jets to drop bombs outside the designated area.
• The military removed the pilots from flight duties, dismissed unit commanders and suspended live-fire exercises pending review.

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South Korean military officials charged two air force pilots with criminal negligence after they mistakenly dropped bombs on a civilian village during a training exercise.

The March 6 incident in Pocheon, a town near the North Korean border, injured at least 29 people, including 15 civilians, and caused significant property damage.

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How did the accident occur?

Investigators determined that the pilots incorrectly entered target coordinates into their aircraft systems, causing two KF-16 fighter jets to release eight 500-pound MK-82 bombs outside the designated training area.

The explosions damaged buildings and homes, leaving several residents with ear injuries, migraines and anxiety. Nine people remain hospitalized, including two in serious condition.

What actions has the military taken?

The Defense Ministry removed the pilots from flight duties and scheduled a review of their mission certification. Under South Korean law, if convicted, they could face up to five years in prison or a fine.

Military officials also dismissed two unit commanders, a colonel and a lieutenant colonel, for failing to enforce safety protocols during the exercise.

How has the public responded?

Pocheon residents held protests near the Defense Ministry in Seoul, demanding an end to military drills they say endanger civilians.

The protests reflect long-standing concerns among locals over the risks posed by military operations near civilian areas.

What are the political and military implications?

North Korea condemned the incident, arguing that it demonstrates the dangers of joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises and the potential for escalation.

Despite the bombing, South Korean military officials confirmed that upcoming joint drills with the U.S. will proceed as planned.

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What steps are being taken to prevent future incidents?

The South Korean government has suspended all live-fire exercises until investigators complete their review of the incident.

The South Korean air force chief of staff apologized for the accident and pledged to strengthen mission procedures to prevent similar errors in the future.