SEOUL – In an unexpected turn of events during a joint military exercise with U.S. forces, two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on a civilian area near the North Korean border, injuring at least 15 people and causing significant damage to homes in the region.

The incident occurred on Thursday during a live-fire drill in Pocheon, a city located approximately 20 miles from the North Korean border. The training exercise was part of ongoing military operations aimed at enhancing joint combat readiness between South Korea and the United States.

According to initial reports, one of the KF-16 jets “abnormally” released eight bombs during the drill. The pilot mistakenly entered incorrect coordinates while navigating, leading to the accidental deployment of the weapons on a civilian neighborhood instead of the intended target range.

Local officials and emergency responders rushed to the scene after reports of explosions and injuries began pouring in. At least 15 civilians were injured, including children and elderly residents, according to the South Korean Air Force, which confirmed the mishap during a press conference.

The bombs caused substantial damage to residential buildings in the area, with images from the scene showing debris and collapsed structures. Authorities have yet to confirm whether any fatalities occurred, but the situation remains under investigation.

South Korean Air Force spokesperson Major Kim Jae-hwan stated that the incident was a result of an “unplanned weapons release” and emphasized that such errors are rare but concerning. He added that the military is conducting a thorough review to identify any systemic issues contributing to the accident.

The U.S. military expressed regret over the incident, stating that it was working closely with South Korean officials to ensure proper measures were in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As of Friday morning, medical teams were still treating the injured, while cleanup efforts continued in the affected area. The South Korean government has promised transparency and accountability in handling the aftermath of the incident.