Seoul: The top Air Force commander issued a public apology Monday over the accidental bombing of a civilian village by fighter jets last week, calling it an accident that "should never have happened."
According to Yonhap News Agency, two KF-16 fighter jets "abnormally" dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a training range in Pocheon, some 40 kilometers north of Seoul, during live-fire drills on Thursday, injuring 29 people, including 15 civilians. The incident has raised serious concerns about military oversight and operational procedures.
"The Air Force, which should protect the lives and property of the people, inflicted harm to the people," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su said in a press briefing. "It was an accident that should never have happened, and one that should not recur." Lee took full responsibility for the accident, which is considered an unprecedented mistaken bombing on a civilian town, and pledged to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Additionally, Gen. Lee promised to make every effort to help affected residents return to their daily lives. This includes compensating them and providing necessary medical and crisis support. The military has also taken immediate action by suspending all live-fire training until the exact cause of the accident is determined.
Pilot error is currently suspected as the cause of the accidental bombing, with initial investigations indicating that one of the pilots entered incorrect target coordinates prior to takeoff. Further investigations are underway to ascertain all contributing factors to the mishap.