JABAR EKSPRES – A United States (US) soldier stationed in South Korea crossed the border fully armed into North Korea without authorization and is believed to be in North Korean custody, officials said Tuesday (7/18).
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre and other officials said the soldier crossed “willfully” across the military demarcation line and entered North Korea in the afternoon local time.
“We believe he is in (North Korean) custody. We are currently closely monitoring and investigating the situation and trying to inform the soldier’s next of kin and to be involved in dealing with this incident,” Defense Minister, Lloyd Austin told a news conference.
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Meanwhile, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that the safety and security of every US citizen abroad remains a top priority, adding that the Pentagon has contacted North Korea.
The soldier, identified as Travis King, is a private second class in the Army, according to military spokesman Bryce Dubee.
King will face disciplinary action for his actions, according to Reuters news agency citing US officials.
According to the US-led UN Command, King was touring the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjeom before crossing into North Korea.
The UN Command also stated that it is working to resolve the incident with the North Korean military.
The US and North Korea do not have diplomatic relations, so it is expected that the US will make an appeal to North Korea to release its citizens.
Some analysts say Pyongyang may use the soldier as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with Washington.
During this time, the UN Command conducted surveillance in the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas.
