Deploying mine-hunting assets to anti-piracy unit meant to prepare for unseen threats: defense minister

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul announced Monday that South Korea is broadening the scope of its anti-piracy naval unit to include mine-hunting capabilities. This decision is made in anticipation of potential threats near the Strait of Hormuz, which cannot be entirely ruled out. The expansion was revealed after Seoul announced plans last week to extend the operational zone of the Cheonghae Unit from waters off the Somali coast to south of Oman in the Arabian Sea, approximately 650 kilometers away from the Hormuz strait.

Additionally, the decision entails deploying mine-sweeping vehicles and equipment, along with an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team and the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. While the South Korean government maintains that the move is solely aimed at protecting Korean commercial ships and citizens from piracy, some critics argue that it amounts to a covert military contribution to the ongoing U.S. war with Iran.

During a parliamentary session, Kang addressed concerns about the EOD team deployment, stating that the decision is made to prepare for unseen threats near the strategic waterway.