Defense Chief Prioritizes Overseas Troops' Safety Amid Middle East Tensions

Defense Chief Prioritizes Overseas Troops' Safety

South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and readiness of troops deployed overseas amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran, Defense Minister Ahn emphasized that troop safety should be the top priority, urging them to maintain a full readiness posture within their bases and be prepared for immediate response to any contingency. He also stressed the need for a 24-hour response system to protect South Korean nationals abroad in case of threats.

The meeting involved senior officials and commanders of dispatched troops, with no reports of damage or casualties among Korean forces so far. Recent military operations in the region have intensified regional tensions.