Government "Accepting Afghan Refugees Domestically"... Military Aircraft Conducting Local Operations (Comprehensive)

Worked for several years at embassies, Korean hospitals, and vocational training centers

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The government has decided to provide refuge within the country for Afghans fleeing their homeland due to the Taliban, especially those who have previously cooperated with the Korean government.

On the 24th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, "We are currently conducting operations by dispatching three military transport aircraft to Afghanistan and neighboring countries to bring local staff and their families who have supported our government activities in Afghanistan to Korea." These individuals have worked for years at the embassy, Korean hospitals, and vocational training centers.

The Korean government deployed non-combat troops in 2001 at the request of the United States, which invaded Afghanistan under the pretext of terrorism and war.

Although the military unit withdrew in December 2007, the government continued to support Afghanistan's reconstruction with the international community until the regime recently fell to the Taliban, during which many locals were employed.

In particular, from 2010 to 2014, the government sent Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) to operate local hospitals and vocational training centers, collaborating with many locals. These individuals have requested help from the Korean government, citing risks of Taliban retaliation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not disclose the number of Afghans to be transported to Korea, but Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 22nd that about 400 Afghans who participated in the reconstruction projects conducted by the government in Afghanistan should be brought to the country.