(LEAD) Dispatched troops safe following U.S. strikes in Iran: JCS

▲ Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (R) briefs reporters on the results of an investigation into those involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid, in this file photo taken Feb. 12, 2026. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) defense minister-Iran

(LEAD) Dispatched troops safe following U.S. strikes in Iran: JCS

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES throughout with JCS statement)

SEOUL, Feb. 28 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean military said Saturday it found no safety issues for troops dispatched overseas, following reports of U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran.

The statement by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) comes after Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back ordered an "immediate" inspection of the safety of those stationed outside the country, including in Lebanon and Somalia.

JCS Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung was briefed on the current situation during a video call with the commanders in charge of the dispatched units and instructed them to prioritize the safety of troops and Korean nationals abroad.

The move comes as the United States and Israel launched preemptive strikes Saturday morning (local time) against Iran in their latest military operation against the Middle Eastern country amid ongoing conflict over Tehran's nuclear program.

Iran reportedly retaliated by firing missiles at Israeli and U.S. bases, including in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.

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