Zaytun Unit Increases Its Alert Status

The U.S. Army declared a state of emergency throughout Iraq last Sunday except in the Kurdish autonomous region where South Korean soldiers are being deployed. Thus, the Zaytun unit that is staying in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil has increased its alert in order to preempt any inflow of militant forces into Irbil.

Defense Ministry sources said yesterday, “Militants are likely to infiltrate into Irbil, the Kurdish autonomous region, in order to avert the attack of U.S. Army,” adding, “We are receiving reports from Multi National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I) that inform us of the progress of the U.S. operation and any changes in militant actions every minute.”

In addition, the Zaytun unit is now rechecking a cooperation system against terrorist attacks with the Kurdish autonomous government and a militants group. “Zaytun soldiers will neither join the U.S. attack, nor has the U.S. asked,” said Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung.

Defense Ministry sources said, “With the rainy season starting, it frequently rains with thunder and lighting in Irbil,” adding, “Zaytun soldiers are refraining from going out and checking equipment in their army posts.”

Ho-Won Choi bestiger@donga.com