At least eight people were injured on March 6 when a military shell struck a civilian area in Pocheon, South Korea, damaging homes and a local church. Fire officials suspect the shell originated from ongoing joint U.S.-South Korea live-fire exercises near the heavily fortified border with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The incident, occurring roughly 40 kilometers northeast of Seoul, highlights risks linked to military activities in densely populated regions. Authorities are investigating how the shell deviated from its intended trajectory. No official statements have been released by South Korea’s defense ministry or U.S. military representatives.
Analysts note the timing coincides with heightened inter-Korean tensions, raising questions about safety protocols during drills. Pocheon residents expressed concerns over recurring exercises near civilian zones, urging stricter safeguards. This incident may prompt broader discussions on balancing national security priorities with civilian safety in conflict-sensitive regions.
