Posted on 10/09/2004 9:55:03 PM PDT by Calpernia
To prevent possible terrorist attacks on the high seas, the National Defense Ministry says it intends to protect the sea lanes used by South Korean vessels with naval escorts.
At a hearing of the National Assembly's Defense Committee, defense officials reviewed plans developed in response to perceived threats by radical Muslim groups, which have vowed to attack members of the coalition in Iraq.
Last week, Al Qaeda, the Islamic terror group headed by Osama bin Laden, openly named South Korea as one of the countries it would target. The announcement prompted a heightened alert around the nation at vital government institutions and facilities.
The Navy's basic plan calls for using two destroyers, a support vessel and a Lynx helicopter, a multi-role aircraft designed for operations at sea. Moreover, the Navy will employ anti-submarine capabilities and use two small boats operated by naval special forces, such as the elite Underwater Demolition Team.
The escorts will be provided to ships operating in such areas as near the Philippines, Malaysia and the Indian Ocean that are essential to the country's oil supply coming from the Middle East.
The Defense Ministry is working on improving cooperation with navies in the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia. In emergencies, the Defense Ministry expects permission will be needed to enter the sovereign waters of the countries. The officials said they will seek to exchange information on possible terror threats at sea and conduct joint operations.
In addition, the Defense Ministry has a long-range plan for the formation of a quick-reaction naval force. The planned fleet will be composed of landing craft to carry amphibious assault forces and six destroyers of various classes along with a logistics vessel. The ministry plans to field the quick reaction fleet by the year 2020.
Thanks for the email NW_AZ!
ping
I thank you for doing the posting of this article.
It is a surprise, almost that they are sending out the ships, with N. Korea on the move and the fact that China has 30,000 troops on the N. Korea border.
Is there any doubt left that we are in the midst of a full world wide war?
ping
It sure seems like many chess pieces are being put in place...
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