U.S. Defense Outlook: Flexibility Against Regional Threats

The U.S. plans to allow more operational flexibility for troops in South Korea to address regional threats, while maintaining its core focus on deterring North Korea, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who visited South Korea and the Demilitarised Zone with his South Korean counterpart.

The United States is contemplating enhanced operational flexibility for its troops stationed in South Korea to tackle regional threats, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday. However, he emphasized that the alliance's core mission with South Korea will remain focused on deterring North Korea.

During his visit to South Korea, Hegseth, alongside his South Korean counterpart, highlighted the strategic importance of this flexibility during a stop at the Demilitarised Zone on the North and South Korean border.

The visit underscored the ongoing commitment between the two nations to address both traditional and emerging threats while reinforcing their alliance's foundational objectives.

(With inputs from agencies.)