American Soldier Travis King Returns to the U.S. after Being Detained by North Korea

After being detained by North Korean authorities on July 18, U.S. Army Private Travis King has finally returned to the United States. The 23-year-old soldier crossed the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, intentionally entering North Korean territory. North Korea announced on Wednesday that it had decided to expel King and he was taken into custody in mainland China, where he underwent a medical examination before being flown to the U.S.

On Thursday morning, a military flight carrying King landed at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. He is now expected to be transported to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas for further mental and physical exams. King spent a total of 71 days in North Korean custody.

However, King's release does not mean the end of his troubles. He had been declared absent without leave (AWOL) from the Army, which means he could face detention in military jail, forfeiture of pay, or even a dishonorable discharge. The National Security Council confirmed King's return to U.S. custody and expressed appreciation for the efforts of Army personnel and other agencies involved in bringing him back home. They also thanked the governments of Sweden and China for their assistance.

Swedish officials accompanied King to the Chinese border, where he was met by the U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, and other U.S. Defense Department officials. King's mother, Claudine Gates, expressed her gratitude for his safe return and requested privacy for the family.

During King's detainment in North Korea, U.S. officials were unable to communicate with him or determine the reasons behind his decision to cross into North Korean territory. However, it was revealed that prior to his detainment, King had been involved in a physical altercation with locals in South Korea, leading to his detention in a South Korean facility. He was released on July 10 and was expected to be sent to Fort Bliss in Texas, where he could have faced additional military discipline and discharge. However, he fled to North Korea and was detained there.

North Korean state media reported that King had crossed into their country due to "inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S." However, King's mother refuted these claims. Records show that King had faced assault-related allegations in South Korea in the past, including a fine of $3,950 for assaulting a person and damaging a police vehicle in Seoul.

King's return marks a significant event, as he is the first American soldier to have crossed the DMZ separating North and South Korea in decades. The circumstances surrounding his detainment and subsequent release highlight the complex diplomatic relationships involved in the region.