Caught in the Crossfire: North Korea Set to Expel US Soldier Travis King after Daring Border Crossing, State Media Reports
North Korea's state media KCNA reported that US Army Private Travis King, who crossed from South Korea into the North during a joint security area tour in July, will be expelled
North Korea has announced its decision to expel US Army Private Travis King, who entered North Korean territory from South Korea during a visit to the joint security area in July. State media outlet KCNA reported on Wednesday that the decision was made by the appropriate authority of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in accordance with their laws. The investigation into King has been completed, according to the report.
It is not stated clearly in KCNA's report the details of King's expulsion - the location, timing, and method.
During a visit to the Joint Security Area within the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in July, King, a lower ranking soldier assigned to US Forces Korea, crossed the military demarcation line from South Korea to North Korea. Prior to this, he was facing assault charges in South Korea and was scheduled to return to Fort Bliss, Texas, to be discharged from the military the day before he crossed into North Korea, as previously reported by CNN.
North Korea asserted on Wednesday that King confessed to illegally trespassing into DPRK's territory due to harboring resentment against the inhumane treatment and racial discrimination prevalent within the U.S. army, coupled with disillusionment towards the unequal U.S. society. CNN's verification of King's own words remains inconclusive.
Last month, John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, stated that it would not be surprising if North Korea utilizes US soldier Travis King as a means of propaganda or negotiation. Kirby mentioned that although there is no concrete evidence of this happening, it aligns with North Korea's past behavior. In an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on "The Lead," Kirby emphasized their current focus on obtaining information about King.
Kirby added at that time that Kings location was unclear, as well as "the conditions hes being held" and information about his health.
This is a developing story. It will be updatedâ¦
