Obama says U.S. troops in S. Korea will be sent to Afghanistan

By Sam Kim

SEOUL, Nov. 20 — U.S. President Barack Obama said during his recent trip to South Korea that some American troops stationed here will be re-deployed to Afghanistan, according to a transcript of his speech.

"The story of your service goes beyond this peninsula," Obama told a group of U.S. Forces Korea troops on Thursday in the last portion of his four-nation Asian trip.

"Others among you served in Afghanistan," he said. "Others among you will deploy yet again."

His comment comes after U.S. Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last month in South Korea that the allies are discussing the relocation of some of the 28,500 U.S. troops here to Afghanistan where the U.S. is fighting insurgency.

The White House maintains there will be no reduction in the number of U.S. troops stationed here — a sensitive issue to many South Koreans who fear a reduced U.S. presence may undermine their deterrent against North Korea.

Thousands of U.S. troops were sent from the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea to Iraq in 2004 to boost U.S. operations there in the form of rotation. Dozens were killed.

"You volunteered in a time of war, knowing that you can be sent in the harm's way. Many of you served in Iraq," Obama said in the last public speech of his two-day South Korean visit.

South Korea, which initially denied it was in talks with the U.S. over the possible redeployment, has yet to make a public statement after it said it would hold discussions with the U.S. on the issue. (PNA/Yonhap)

FFC/ebp

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