US pulls Patriot missile unit from Korea to Middle East without prior consultation

A Patriot missile unit of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), tasked with intercepting North Korean missiles, has been redeployed to the Middle East along with approximately 500 troops — without prior consultation with South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense. According to multiple military sources on Thursday, the U.S. Army’s air defense artillery battalion stationed at Camp Carroll in Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province, recently moved to locations including Bahrain and Iraq. The move follows a rotational deployment of one or two Patriot batteries in March, sources said. The USFK did not confirm details, citing operational security, but said it continues to maintain a "capable and lethal force to defend the Republic of Korea and deter regional aggression." Camp Carroll is a key U.S. Army logistics base that stores and maintains munitions and combat equipment. In 2006, the Patriot missile unit formerly located at Gwangju Airport was relocated to the site. Given its logistical role, the withdrawal is not expected to immediately affect the overall U.S.-South Korea joint deterrence posture. AWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times