The South Korean Defense Minister, An Gyu-baek, chaired a situation assessment meeting regarding the Middle East turmoil, which has escalated due to recent incursions by the U.S. and Israel into Iran. During this meeting, he confirmed the safety status of South Korean military personnel deployed abroad, as well as updated on developments concerning North Korea. With commanders of four overseas deployment units participating via video conference, the Defense Ministry stated that no damage had been reported among the deployed forces so far.

The Ministry of National Defense has increased its protective posture since the incursion on the 28th of the previous month to ensure the safety of its deployed forces. Minister An urged that their safety be prioritized and reminded military personnel to remain vigilant and ready to react immediately to any situation. He also directed that preparations for the upcoming joint exercises with the U.S., scheduled for September 9-19, continue smoothly, emphasizing strict military discipline and thorough readiness.

Furthermore, Minister An highlighted the importance of maintaining a crisis response system around the clock. He stated that military resources should be readily available for deployment should there be a request for assistance in withdrawing Korean nationals from the Middle East. His statements underscore the South Korean military’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its overseas citizens amidst escalating regional tensions, reflecting the challenges of managing security interests in a volatile environment.