Seoul: South Korean troops deployed overseas have been placed on heightened alert after strikes were reported near their bases in the Middle East during the early days of the conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel.

According to Anadolu Agency, South Korea's Defense Ministry reported to lawmaker Hwang Hee that explosions were recorded approximately 31 kilometers northeast of the Dongmyung Unit's base in Lebanon on February 28, coinciding with large-scale US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

The Dongmyung Unit, which is part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission, continues to conduct essential operations while maintaining a high defense posture. A separate report highlighted that the Akh Unit, stationed near Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, detected strikes about 68 kilometers from its base on March 1. Since then, the unit has suspended training activities and remains on standby at its compound.

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has instructed commanders to prioritize the safety of troops abroad and prepare to assist with the potential evacuation of South Korean nationals if the regional crisis escalates. South Korea currently operates four overseas military units, stationed in Lebanon, South Sudan, Somalia, and the United Arab Emirates, as part of peacekeeping and security missions.