South Korea to deploy military mission to keep Strait of Hormuz open
Summary
South Korea plans to send maritime patrol aircraft and an explosive ordnance disposal team to waters near the Strait of Hormuz as part of an expanded mission for its Cheonghae anti-piracy unit. Seoul says the mission will protect shipping and energy supplies but will not involve combat or intervention in the US-Iran war.Key Facts
- The planned deployment includes a destroyer, a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team, and unmanned and remotely operated vehicles.
- South Korea plans to expand the Cheonghae unit’s operational area from the Gulf of Aden to waters near the Strait of Hormuz.
- The defence ministry says the mission will operate independently of allied forces and remain limited to non-combat duties.
- The patrol aircraft will not target or monitor Iranian territory, Iranian territorial waters, or the interior of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Extending the Cheonghae unit’s authorization beyond the end of the year requires parliamentary approval, Yonhap reported.
- The US-Iran war, which began on February 28, has disrupted shipping through the strait, which normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil.
- Iran has warned South Korea against contributing to security operations near the waterway.
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