US national held after crossing into N Korea - UN body

A US national has been detained in North Korea after crossing the border, a UN body says.

The United Nations Command, which operates the Demilitarised Zone and joint security area (JSA) that separates the north from South Korea, said the man did not have authorisation.

"A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident"

BBC News has contacted the US Department of State for comment.

The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), separates the two Koreas and its border is one of the most heavily fortified areas in the world.

It is filled with landmines, surrounded by electric and barbed wire fencing and surveillance cameras and armed guards are supposed to be on alert 24 hours a day.

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