Korea Police Weigh Deploying Rapid Response Team to Middle East

South Korean police have entered emergency response mode as military conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran intensifies. The government is conducting emergency reviews, and police are preparing to deploy part of a rapid response team comprising specialists from seven fields if requested.

According to government officials on the 3rd, the Korean National Police Agency has been holding daily internal briefings on the deteriorating Middle East situation and reviewing response systems by function. While President Lee Jae-myung is on state visits to Singapore and the Philippines, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is chairing daily emergency review meetings, with police participating alongside other government agencies.

Police confirmed they are considering deploying a rapid response team to the Middle East if requested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The agency maintains a standby team of approximately 150 personnel across seven specialized fields including counter-terrorism. A portion of this team is ready for immediate deployment upon official request from the Foreign Ministry.

At an emergency ministerial meeting on the Middle East situation on the 1st, Prime Minister Kim stated, "The lives and safety of our citizens are paramount." He added, "If the situation worsens, we must immediately dispatch a rapid response team and prepare transportation plans in advance so that citizens staying locally can return home safely."

The Foreign Ministry is leading a review of various support measures for Korean nationals in Iran and Israel, including rapid response team deployment and budget allocation.

Police are also reviewing plans to strengthen security at Middle East-related embassies, diplomatic facilities, and VIP protection within Korea. Officials are re-examining response protocols and reinforcing measures against potential spontaneous protests or terrorism threats. A police official said, "We are closely monitoring domestic and international developments and coordinating necessary measures with relevant agencies."