US soldier captured by North Korea had discipline issues, made strange noise during arrest.
An American Soldier Captured by North Korea: Recent Discipline Issues and Unusual Behavior
An American soldier believed to be in custody in North Korea after intentionally crossing the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on Tuesday is making headlines. According to reports, the soldier was being disciplined by his superiors and even laughed during his detainment.
The Washington Post reported that the unidentified man crossed the border into North Korea during an “orientation tour.” Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin confirmed that the soldier intentionally crossed the border while wearing civilian clothing.
US soldier who crossed into North Korea did so intentionally in civilian clothes. While on tour of DMZ the Army Private broke away from the tour group and was then detained by North Korean security: US official tells Fox.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) July 18, 2023
According to the Post, the soldier had recently faced disciplinary action while stationed in South Korea. He was ordered to return to the U.S., but missed his flight after being escorted to an airport. Military officials then escorted him to a security checkpoint, but they could not go any further.
Surprisingly, the soldier ended up at the DMZ, an hour-and-a-half away from the airport. It is believed that he joined a tourist group leaving the airport and “bolted” across the border, evading those who tried to stop him.
The United Nations Command released a statement on Twitter, stating that they believe the soldier is currently in the custody of the North Korean government and are working to resolve the incident.
A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident. pic.twitter.com/a6amvnJTuY
— United Nations Command 유엔군사령부/유엔사 (@UN_Command) July 18, 2023
Witnesses described the moment the soldier was apprehended by North Korean forces. A woman named Mikaela Johansson, who was on the tour with the soldier, shared her account on social media.
“To our right, we hear a loud HA-HA-HA and one guy from OUR GROUP that has been with us all day runs in between two of the buildings and over to the other side!!” she wrote. “It took everybody a second to react and grasp what had actually happened, then we were ordered into and through Freedom House and running back to our military bus.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the investigation into the incident is in its preliminary stages. He confirmed that the soldier crossed the border willfully and without authorization.
It remains to be seen what consequences the soldier will face and how this situation will be resolved.
Source: The Western Journal
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