The recent disclosure that U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) transferred over 1,000 guided bomb kits back to the United States last December has sparked concern among labor unions and civic groups. These organizations warn that deploying USFK assets to the Middle East could potentially draw the Korean Peninsula into regional conflicts.
On March 6, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) released a statement asserting that the plan to redeploy USFK weapon systems to the Middle East is a dangerous move that subordinates peace and security on the Korean Peninsula to America’s global strategic interests. The union further urged to not turn the Korean Peninsula into a logistics hub for U.S. military operations, and called on the government to refrain from any cooperation or support for what they termed U.S. aggressive wars.
The KCTU also criticized the USFK, claiming it functions more as a forward operating base for U.S. global strategy rather than a force dedicated to South Korea’s defense. They argued that the redeployment of USFK weapons to the Middle East would effectively transform South Korea into a military outpost and arms supplier for U.S. military campaigns.
The Citizens’ Coalition for Open Military, a civic organization, echoed these sentiments in their own statement. They urged the South Korean government to oppose any mobilization of USFK resources for potential operations against Iran, emphasizing, Do not cooperate or participate in unjust conflicts.
The group warned that U.S. military installations in South Korea could become targets, potentially drawing the nation into a wider conflict. They stressed that U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran would clearly violate the United Nations (UN) Charter’s prohibition on the use of force, insisting that Seoul must take a firm stance against such actions.
According to U.S. Air Force reports, USFK transferred over 1,000 Paveway guided bomb kits to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada on December 16. This timing aligns with the period when the U.S. reportedly began discussing potential airstrikes involving Iran and Israel, suggesting the possibility of preemptive resource positioning in anticipation of conflict.