World

South Korea to Expand Anti‑Piracy Operations Near Oman Port

By Guardian staff reporter

South Korea’s defence ministry announced plans to broaden the operational area of its Cheonghae anti‑piracy unit to waters closer to the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed motion will extend the unit’s reach to the vicinity of Duqm in Oman, about 650 km (403 miles) from the strait, and will require approval from President Lee Jae‑Myung and the cabinet. A defence ministry official said the expansion aims to protect South Korean citizens and safeguard economic interests. The unit will operate independently of allied forces, and its maritime patrol aircraft will be barred from targeting or monitoring Iranian territory, the interior of the strait or Iranian waters. The move follows reports that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire after attempting to use unauthorized routes through the strait. Trump has criticised South Korea for insufficient support of the Iran war and scaled back joint military drills with the country this summer. The Cheonghae unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009 to ensure safe navigation of commercial vessels. The motion also seeks to extend the unit’s deployment to the Middle East beyond its current expiry at the end of 2026. The unit currently includes a 4,400‑ton‑class destroyer, a maritime operations helicopter, up to three rigid‑hull inflatable boats and about 300 service members. Seoul plans to deploy a P‑8A maritime patrol aircraft and increase the unit’s personnel by 75. South Korea imports 70 % of its oil from the Middle East, most of it delivered through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the industry ministry. Lee said on 18 September that he would not deploy military assets to the Middle East in a way that could draw the country into conflict, but that Seoul was reviewing a greater role in safeguarding navigation in the region.