During Korean War, Iksan hit by U.S. fighter jets
An investigation into the U.S. military bombing of the Iksan train station has begun, 56 years after the outbreak of the Korean War. On July 19, the Committee for Past Wrongdoings, Truth and Compromise held an information meeting at Iksan City Hall regarding the investigation. So far, seven complaints were submitted to the committee to investigate the truth and pay compensation in connection with the case. The incident occurred on July 11, 1950, when U.S. bombers, believed to be B-29 fighters, fired on the Iksan train station and surrounding civilian villages in North Jeolla Province, even after enginemen at the station had waved the Korean national flag after confirming that the bombers were U.S. jets.On July 15 the same year, four U.S. Air Force fighter jets were believed to have fired on civilians in the city of Iksan. Victims who filed for compensation claimed the number of victims was between 300 and 400, including train workers and civilians. Families of the victims said that it is fortunate that the government is carrying out the investigation, albeit belatedly. The U.S. must admit the bombings were not accidental and should pay compensation along with an apology, they said. Lee Young-il, an investigation official, said, "Cooperation from the victims is necessary to reveal the truth, while the investigation has been limited due to a lack of workforce and budget. If necessary, we will visit the U.S. and conduct research."
