S. Korea to expand anti-piracy mission closer to Hormuz, send more naval assets
The Korea Herald · 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
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 ordinance disposal 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 US-Iran war erupted in February. Seoul has effectively turned down requests from its ally Washington for military support against Tehran.
The decision, reached at a vice-ministerial meeting, is subject to parliamentary consent under South Korean law regarding overseas military deployment or any expansion of an existing mission.
Read the full story at The Korea Herald · All coverage of this story