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2026-11-05 18:24:28
[South Korea Plans to Expand Escort Force's Operational Area to Waters Near the Strait of Hormuz] According to Yonhap News Agency on the 5th, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense stated that it plans to submit a revised proposal to the National Assembly to extend the deployment period of its escort force (the Cheonghae Unit). The revised proposal includes expanding the unit's operational area to the southern waters of Oman, closer to the Strait of Hormuz, while also increasing military equipment and personnel. Yonhap News Agency points out that this move can be seen as South Korea's first practical step in military action to stabilize the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Cheonghae Unit is an overseas deployment force of South Korea stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, primarily conducting escort and anti-piracy operations. According to the revised proposal, the Cheonghae Unit's deployment area will be expanded to the southern tip of Duqm Port in Oman. Duqm Port is approximately 350 nautical miles (about 650 kilometers) from the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf of Oman, which is directly connected to the Strait of Hormuz, is not included in this expanded operational area. Previously, the deployment area for the Cheonghae Unit was defined as "the Gulf of Aden and the designated areas for emergency protection of South Korean citizens." The South Korean government also plans to deploy an additional latest P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, as well as unmanned underwater vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, remotely operated underwater vehicles, and other unmanned minesweeping equipment and explosive ordnance disposal units. (Xinhua)
