South Korea states intent to take wartime military control from US
Washington has held operational authority over South Korean troops since war
South Korean and U.S. troops conduct a joint river-crossing exercise in Yeoncheon, South Korea on March 20, 2024. © Reuters
STEVEN BOROWIEC
SEOUL -- South Korea's incoming defense minister said Tuesday the government will endeavor to retake wartime operational control of its troops from the U.S. The move would be a key change in how the two countries handle defending South Korea against the nuclear-armed North.
Ahn Gyu-back, President Lee Jae Myung's nominee for defense minister, said the change would require "in-depth conversations with the U.S.," with the aim of having the transfer happen during the tenure of Lee, who started his five-year term in June.
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