U.S. welcomes South Korea Strait of Hormuz troop deployment
South Korea's decision to send troops to the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard its citizens and vessels passing through the key oil shipping route has been welcomed by the United States.
The State Department told Yonhap News on Tuesday that they appreciate Seoul's move to expand the mission of its anti-piracy unit to the strait, adding it demonstrates the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and commitment to cooperate on global security concerns.
Seoul's defense ministry announced earlier that its 300-strong Cheonghae Unit will operate independently of the U.S.-led International Maritime Security Construct based in Bahrain but, two liaison officers will be sent to the coalition to coordinate information-sharing.
Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn also told Yonhap they welcome the help to ensure the freedom of navigation in the Middle East by supporting the IMSC, calling it an "international problem that requires an international solution."
An official of foreign ministry in Seoul said Iran has expressed concern over the deployment.■
<Photo: Yonhap News>
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