The United Nations verified that discussions with Pyongyang have commenced concerning U.S. Army Private Travis King, who vanished after entering the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to get inside North Korea.

King, originally set to be deported for criminal conduct, was last seen touring the Korean border when he crossed into North Korea, got captured, and has since disappeared from the public eye.

On Thursday, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh acknowledged the U.S. had no intel or updates from North Korean officials about King’s condition or whether he was alive.

Gen. Andrew Harrison, the deputy commander of the United Nations Command (UNC), said a mechanism exists under the 1953 armistice. This mechanism facilitates communication between the UNC and the Korean People’s Army, which takes place in the Joint Security Area (JSA).

In a press conference in Seoul, Harrison told reporters that meetings have commenced; however, significant welfare implications are involved, given the situation they are dealing with is challenging and intricate.

Harrison, however, refrained from offering further information about the private individual, due to the ongoing investigation. This happened after the U.S. military’s statement that he entered North Korea by his own will and without authorization.

Before his crossing, King had numerous criminal charges, including assault and battery against a law enforcement officer. He was to fly back to Fort Bliss, Texas for disciplinary action, but slipped out of the airport at the last minute.

King then reportedly booked a tour of the Korean border shortly afterward, stepping over the border upon reaching Panmunjom (“Peace Village”), a rare point where contact between the two Koreas is very close.

According to U.S. officials, eyewitnesses observed King being guided into a van by North Korean soldiers and he was subsequently driven away.