DEVELOPING: American Soldier Captured By North Korean Forces – Crossed Border Without Authorization and Has Reportedly Defected to North Korea
Credit: BBC
United States officials have confirmed that one of their soldiers was detained in North Korea this morning. He has also reportedly defected.
CBS News reported that the soldier in question is Private 2nd Class Travis King. Before his detainment, he was being escorted back to the United States from South Korea for disciplinary reasons.
The illegal crossing reportedly occurred at 3.27pm local time (2:37 AM ET) according to the Daily Mirror. King was visiting the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) at Panmunjom with a civilian tour group before leaving their sight.
The MDL marks the border between North and South Korea. The line is surrounded by a demilitarized zone and is one of the most heavily guarded areas in the entire world.
