It was recently revealed that the top special forces with the highest counterterrorism capabilities from the South Korean and Canadian militaries conducted joint special operations training in Canada last month.
According to South Korean military sources, the 707th Special Mission Group of the Korean Army Special Warfare Command recently participated in joint special operations training with the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command’s Joint Task Force 2 (JTF-2). The training took place in Ottawa and Trenton, Ontario, as well as Halifax, Nova Scotia, and spanned approximately two weeks from late May to mid-June.
The 707th Special Mission Group is a national counterterrorism unit composed of elite special forces. It plays a key role in South Korea’s three-axis defense system, particularly in the area of Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR).
During the training, the 707th and JTF-2 conducted exercises to neutralize internal threats, holding hostages on an aircraft while the plane was powered up. Equipment such as aircraft operational vehicles and ladders were used to facilitate the rapid entry of the two units into the aircraft.
In maritime counterterrorism training, they engaged in exercises that included boarding actual vessels by boat, close-quarters combat (CQB), and visit board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations. They also practiced escaping from a ship via helicopter.
Additionally, the two units conducted counterterrorism combat shooting, building clearance, and joint CQB training.
Established in 1993, JTF-2 is classified as a top-secret special unit under the Canadian Special Operations Command.
JTF-2 has extensive combat experience, having been deployed in conflicts such as the Yugoslav Wars, the Kosovo War, the Gulf War, and the Libyan Civil War. It is also known to have conducted joint operations with US special forces during the Afghanistan War.
Due to this combat experience, JTF-2 personnel with medical specialties are reported to possess high-level medical skills and equipment, making them appear like combat-capable doctors.
Through this training, the 707th Special Mission Group is expected to propose related improvements to the South Korean military, having acquired JTF-2’s combat and training methods.
In the future, South Korea’s special forces, including the 707th Special Mission Group, plan to broaden their military exchange cooperation with allied nations’ special forces. This initiative aims to enhance their capacity to conduct joint operations in response to overseas terrorist situations.