As military tensions escalate between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, South Korean law enforcement is gearing up to deploy personnel for the protection of its citizens abroad if requested.
A police spokesperson revealed during a routine press conference at the National Police Agency headquarters in Seoul on Tuesday that internal preparations are underway to respond to potential deployment requests from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other relevant agencies concerning the Middle East situation.
However, no specific deployment plans have been finalized at this time.
The police maintain a Rapid Response Team for Overseas Citizen Protection to ensure swift action during international emergencies. This specialized unit comprises 156 members across seven distinct operational areas.
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok addressed the ongoing Middle East crisis during a Cabinet meeting. He emphasized the government’s commitment to continuously monitor the safety of Korean nationals in Iran and Israel, activate the Rapid Response Team if necessary, and provide robust consular support to Korean citizens throughout the region.