The US Department of Defense commented on the case of a US soldier suspected of being detained in North Korea at a briefing on Tuesday. Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said in response to a question that North Korea had responded to a United Nations inquiry about Travis King's whereabouts. However, Ryder denied that there was any substantial progress and referred to the United Nations Command (UNC) for additional information.
On July 18, multiple media outlets unanimously reported that a U.S. serviceman illegally crossed the border into North Korea. He was identified as Travis King. According to media reports, the 23-year-old was detained in South Korea for 47 days after getting into a fight with locals before fleeing to the communist country. After his release, he spent some time at US military installations in South Korea and should have returned to Fort Bliss, Texas. However, instead of boarding his plane, the soldier booked a tourist flight to the demilitarized zone and fled to North Korea.
“He was texting his sister and my brother like 48 hours before this happened saying he couldn't wait to come home…”Coming up at 5 – The uncle of the #Racine soldier who crossed into #NorthKorea shares his family's plea for #TravisKing's safe return. pic.twitter.com/iHN6Qi9Urx
The UNC later announced that King was in North Korean custody. Last week, UNC deputy commander Andrew Harrison said the US soldier's fate was being negotiated with Pyongyang. This is done through the well-established communication channels provided for in the Korean ceasefire agreement.
"I can't say what could harm this process."
The senior military announced an investigation. After the incident with the US soldiers, tourist trips to the demilitarized zone were suspended.
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