Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06SEOUL1549
2006-05-09 08:24:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
PHASED REDUCTION OF ROK ZAYTUN UNIT IN IRAQ
how-toVZCZCXRO7992 PP RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK RUEHMOS DE RUEHUL #1549 1290824 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 090824Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7791 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//OSD/ISA/EAP// RHMFISS/COMUSKOREA J2 SEOUL KOR RHMFIUU/COMUSKOREA J3 SEOUL KOR RHMFISS/COMUSKOREA J5 SEOUL KOR RHMFIUU/COMUSKOREA SCJS SEOUL KOR RHMFIUU/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
UNCLAS SEOUL 001549
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MOPS PGOV PREL IZ KS
SUBJECT: PHASED REDUCTION OF ROK ZAYTUN UNIT IN IRAQ
REF: SEOUL 5020
As planned (reftel),the ROK is initiating a phased drawdown
of the ROK troop contingent in Iraq, starting with a modest
reduction of 40 troops this month. An additional 200 troops
will depart Iraq in June, with approximately 800 troops being
withdrawn during the second half of the year. According to
MND officials, medical and engineering units will be kept at
current levels in order to minimize the impact on the Zaytun
Unit's key functions; the bulk of the reductions will come
from the infantry. Also, rather than withdrawing forces
currently on the ground, the ROK plans to realize part of the
reduction by not replacing some of the troops returning home
after six-month tours. By the end of 2006, the Zaytun Unit,
currently at 3,200 troops, will be reduced to approximately
2,200 troops. As a part of the drawdown, the ROK military
also plans to withdraw some equipment from Irbil.
MINTON