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US soldier held by N Korea after crossing border

19 July 2023 02:27 (UTC +04:00)

North Korea is reported to have detained a serving US army soldier who crossed the heavily fortified border from South Korea without permission, APA reports citing BBC.

The man was on an organised tour of the UN-run zone dividing the two countries.

The crisis comes during a particularly tense time with the North, one of the world's most isolated states. US citizens are advised not to go there.

A senior US commander said there had been no contact with the soldier.

Admiral John Aquilino Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command said he was "not tracking" contact with North Korea. He said the soldier had acted willingly by "making a run" but without authorisation, and the incident was being investigated by US Forces Korea.

He said the soldier acted willingly by "making a run" but without authorisation and the incident is being investigated by US Forces Korea.

Hours after the soldier's detention, North Korea launched two suspected ballistic missiles into the nearby sea.