South Korea says it can deter North Korean threats if US shifts military assets to Middle East

SEOUL: South Korea stated on Wednesday that it is capable of deterring threats from North Korea, even if the United States decides to redeploy some of its military assets to the Middle East amid ongoing tensions involving Iran.

The United States, a key security ally of South Korea, currently maintains approximately 28,500 troops in the country, along with a variety of air and missile defense systems, to help counter potential aggression from North Korea, which possesses nuclear capabilities.

Earlier this week, The Washington Post reported, citing unnamed officials, that the US was moving parts of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system from South Korea to the Middle East.

Responding to these reports, South Korea's defence ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, "Regardless of whether certain USFK assets are deployed overseas, there is no issue whatsoever with our deterrence posture against North Korea, given the level of our military capabilities." The ministry was referring to the United States Forces Korea (USFK) command. However, the ministry declined to confirm the details of the reported redeployment.

According to The Washington Post, the US plans to redeploy parts of the missile defence system, but further specifics were not provided in the report.

South Korea's assurance comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing security concerns related to North Korea's military activities. The presence of US forces and advanced defense systems has long been a cornerstone of South Korea's national security strategy.