USFK warns soldiers of abductions

The Stars and Stripes newspaper, read mainly by overseas U.S. soldiers, said on June 28 that the U.S. Forces in Korea (USFK) have obtained information that members of Hanchongnyon, a radical Korean students` group, may be considering abducting U.S. soldiers.

Hanchongnyon has been at the forefront of anti-American protests around the U.S. base in Yongsan, the American Embassy, and Koon-ni shooting range in Hwasong, Kyonggi Province. USFK notified its commanders of the matter via email, it said.

The notice comes after reports that three U.S. soldiers have been assaulted by Koreans on the streets of Seoul this month at five-day intervals. Citing USFK`s message, the Stars and Stripes said soldiers who attend lectures at Korean universities or travel alone are the most likely targets for abduction. It added that William Taylor, the USFK`s publicity director, received the information from Korean officials.