Mission Rotation of Hanbit Unit Delayed Due to COVID-19 Spread
Hanbit Unit members and residents standing on the South Sudan-Republic of Korea Friendship Street. Streetlights were installed on this street for the first time. (Photo by Joint Chiefs of Staff)
View original image[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The deployment schedule of the Hanbit Unit to South Sudan is expected to be delayed. This is because South Sudan has officially requested to halt the entry of new peacekeeping forces into the country to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
According to the Ministry of National Defense on the 12th, the 12th rotation of the Hanbit Unit was originally scheduled to depart for South Sudan twice, on the 9th and 23rd of this month, to replace the 11th rotation. However, since South Sudan has requested to suspend entry until further notice, there is a prospect that the schedule may be further delayed.
Currently, South Sudan does not restrict the entry of Koreans, but it is effectively restricting the entry of Korean troops belonging to the peacekeeping forces. The Hanbit Unit has been deployed to South Sudan as part of the United Nations peacekeeping forces since 2013. It supports the reconstruction of roads, airports, and other infrastructure in the war-torn South Sudan region, and provides humanitarian aid such as refugee protection, drinking water, and medical assistance.
Additionally, the Ark Unit deployed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has not blocked the entry of Koreans. The rotation of the Ark Unit is scheduled for mid-June.
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On the other hand, Lebanon, where the Dongmyeong Unit is deployed, has announced a ban on the entry of foreigners who have visited countries such as Korea, China, Iran, and Italy. It is reported that foreign troops (including Korean troops) deployed in Lebanon, as part of the United Nations, are not subject to entry restrictions. The Dongmyeong Unit is currently performing its mission as part of the peacekeeping forces in Lebanon for surveillance, reconnaissance, and humanitarian support operations.
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