South Korea's military expands anti-piracy missions, potentially paving the way for participation in Iran's post-war Hormuz mine clearance

South Korea's Ministry of Defense said on the 5th that the South Korean military's anti-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia will be expanded to waters close to the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul insisted that it will not intervene in the Iran war. However, a defense official acknowledged that the additional mine-clearing capabilities may pave the way for South Korea to participate in Iran's post-war mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Reuters" reported on the 5th that a spokesman for South Korea's Ministry of National Defense confirmed on the 5th that the "Yonhap News Agency" reported recently that it would submit a motion to Congress to expand the mission scope of the naval anti-piracy force "Cheonghae Force" from the original Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia to Duqm Port in Oman (Duqm Port), which is about 650 kilometers away from the Strait of Hormuz.

Qinghai troops have been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009 to combat piracy and ensure the safety of merchant ships in the waters. This round of missions will last until the end of this year.

According to the Yonhap News Agency, the Cheonghae force currently deploys a 4,400-ton destroyer, a maritime combat helicopter and three rigid inflatable boats, as well as about 300 officers and soldiers; an additional P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosives disposal team, surface and underwater unmanned vehicles, etc. will be deployed. The Korea Herald reported on the 5th that the expanded mission radius has almost doubled to approximately 1,930 kilometers.

The incident comes as Washington pressures Seoul to play a greater role in ensuring freedom of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. "AFP" quoted an unnamed Defense Ministry official as saying that the strengthening of the Cheonghae Force is to protect South Korean citizens and economic interests and is entirely for non-combat missions. The Cheonghae Force will also perform tasks independently from the allied forces. "Operations will be limited to the high seas south of Oman. Maritime patrol aircraft will be prohibited from targeting or monitoring targets in Iranian territory, territorial waters or the Strait of Hormuz when performing missions."

South Korea's "Forward Daily" reported that the Ministry of National Defense insisted that it "will not join or intervene in this war under any circumstances." However, the Ministry also admitted that the increased mine clearance capabilities may also assist South Korean troops in preparing to participate in Iran's post-war international mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz. A Ministry of Defense official said, "We have not ruled this out and have included it in mission planning considerations, but it is not the primary purpose."