S. Korea to expand anti-piracy mission closer to Hormuz, send more naval assets

Yonhap News Agency · Kim Seung-yeon · 2026-11-05 00:30 UTC

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to expand its anti-piracy mission of...

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to expand its anti-piracy mission off Somalia to waters near the Strait of Hormuz with additional military assets, including a maritime patrol aircraft and an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team, to be deployed, officials said Thursday, signaling the country's first contribution to the conflict-stricken region.

The move follows months of deliberation over its role in international efforts to keep the strategic waterway open since the U.S.-Iran war erupted in February. Seoul has effectively turned down requests from its ally Washington for military support against Tehran.

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