South Korean Forces on High Alert After Attack Near Base in Middle East

JAKARTA - South Korean troops deployed overseas are on high alert after reports of an attack near their military bases in the Middle East following the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel.

As reported by ANTARA from the South Korean News Agency Yonhap, Tuesday, March 10, the report submitted by the defense ministry to parliament member Hwang Hee stated that the explosion was recorded on Saturday (28/2) about 31 kilometers northeast of the Dongmyungmilik South Korean military base in Lebanon.

The attack on the South Korean military base occurred on the same day as a massive attack by the US and Israel on Iran.

The troops were deployed as part of a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission and continued to carry out important operations while maintaining a high defensive posture.

A separate report showed the Akh Unit, which is near Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), also detected the attack about 68 kilometers from its base on Sunday (1/3).

Since then, the unit has suspended training activities and remains on alert at its base complex.

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has ordered commanders to prioritize the safety of troops overseas and prepare to help with the possible evacuation of South Korean citizens if the regional crisis worsens.

South Korea currently operates four military units abroad, which are stationed in Lebanon, South Sudan, Somalia, and the UAE, as part of peacekeeping and security missions.