North Korea has reportedly arrested the active US army soldier who crossed the border (Image: Getty)
A US soldier let shouted: “Ha ha ha!” as he crossed the border into North Korea without permission, an eyewitness has claimed.
The motives behind the soldier's decision to defect remain uncertain and it is unclear if he intends to stay there or return to the US.
So far, there has been no communication from North Korea to clarify the matter.
A witness, who was part of a tour group visiting the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), said that after visiting one of the buildings at the site, the soldier let out a loud: “Ha ha ha” prior to running off.
Read more US nuclear sub threatens North Korea as American soldier is arrested on border
The witness told CBS News: “This man gives out a loud 'ha ha ha,' and just runs in between some buildings.
“I thought it was a bad joke at first, but when he didn't come back, I realised it wasn't a joke, and then everybody reacted and things got crazy.”
Identified as Private 2nd Class Travis King, the soldier was reportedly being escorted back to the United States due to disciplinary reasons, according to information from officials who spoke with CBS News.
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The broadcaster reported that the soldier managed to pass through airport security in Seoul, but he somehow exited the terminal and joined a tour of the border area, eventually crossing over into North Korea.
The American military asserts that he did so intentionally and without proper authorisation.
Earlier, the United Nations Command, responsible for overseeing the DMZ and the Joint Security Area (JSA), confirmed that its team had established communication with the North Korean military in an attempt to initiate negotiations for the soldier's release.
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It said: "We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident."
The DMZ acts as a dividing barrier between the two Koreas and stands as one of the most heavily guarded regions around the world.
Armed guards are assigned around-the-clock and landmines as well as electric and barbed wire fencing protects the area.
It said: "We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident."
The DMZ acts as a dividing barrier between the two Koreas and stands as one of the most heavily guarded regions around the world.
Armed guards are assigned around-the-clock and landmines as well as electric and barbed wire fencing protects the area.
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