Travis King illegally crossed the South Korean border during a visit to the demilitarized zone in July
US soldier Travis King, who illegally crossed the North Korean border two months ago, is in US custody, according to the Pentagon. The Asian country had previously threatened to expel the soldier. Information comes from ABC News.
“We can confirm that U.S. authorities secured the return of Private King and exited the airspace of the People’s Republic of China en route to a U.S. military base,” said Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder.
The effort to bring the American soldier also involved China and Sweden, which mediated negotiations with North Korea.
“We thank the Government of Sweden for its diplomatic role as a protecting power for the United States in the DPRK and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its assistance in facilitating Private King’s passage,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
In July, the 23yearold soldier crossed the South Korean border into North Korea during a visit to a demilitarized zone between the two countries.
According to state news agency KCNA, King said he defected to North Korean territory because “he was disillusioned with the inhumane treatment and racial discrimination he experienced in the US Army.”
The USA did not respond to the allegations.