North Korea has warned South Korea it will face consequences after being blamed for a mine explosion that injured two South Korean soldiers near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at the border. Reuters reports that Pyongyang stated South Korea must "pay a price" for the accusations. South Korea’s defense minister announced on Tuesday that North Korean mines were the cause of last week’s blast, and that reciprocal measures would be taken. This incident significantly raises tensions between the two Koreas. The explosion occurred within the DMZ, a heavily fortified buffer zone separating North Korea and South Korea. The South Korean government has vowed to respond to the provocation, increasing concerns of further escalation. The situation remains volatile as both countries assess their next steps.