...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...Naval Force Somalia and took place last week, Yonhap reported.
"Upon the European Union entity’s request, we’ve often participated in the drill. It aims to hone anti-piracy skills and boost cooperation among different militaries," an official with Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, according to the report.
The drill was also described as regular or recurring and has been held since 2008.
Seoul and Tokyo have traded barbs over issues ranging from Japanese trade restrictions on the export of key chemicals to compensation for Korean forced laborers during World War II. Neither issue has been resolved since 2019.
Last week Seoul deployed the Cheonghae Unit to take part in the EU-led drills. The Cheonghae had left for waters near the Middle East in January. The unit, which includes 300 troops, has been assigned to the Strait of Hormuz in addition to the Gulf of Aden.
The decision to dispatch the Cheonghae to the Strait of Hormuz came after the United States reportedly called on security allies, including Seoul, to enhance joint defense of key oil shipping routes. South Korea agreed to the deployment in January.
Seoul has sent troops to the Middle East 13 times since the 1991 Gulf War in coordination with Washington.