SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - The government on Thursday once again urged South Korean nationals in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to leave immediately.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said no South Korean casualties have been reported so far, but it remains deeply concerned about the safety of South Koreans still residing in high-risk areas across the Middle East.
"We strongly urge all South Koreans and businesspeople in affected areas to leave as soon as possible," said a ministry official.
According to the ministry, about 240 South Koreans are currently in Iraq, most of them construction workers employed by South Korean firms. They are coordinating with embassy officials on evacuation plans, while drone attacks targeting the U.S. Embassy in Iraq have continued in recent days.
In Lebanon, about 120 South Koreans remain, many of them missionaries, with about half staying in Beirut and the rest in other areas.
Concerns are growing as Israel has recently launched ground operations in southern Lebanon and expanded airstrikes in Beirut. South Korean Ambassador to Lebanon Geon Gyu-suk plans to meet South Koreans there later in the day and urge them to leave.
In Iran, about 40 South Koreans still remain, most of whom have chosen to stay as they have settled lives there, after two evacuation efforts brought around 30 people home in recent weeks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said no South Korean casualties have been reported so far, but it remains deeply concerned about the safety of South Koreans still residing in high-risk areas across the Middle East.
"We strongly urge all South Koreans and businesspeople in affected areas to leave as soon as possible," said a ministry official.
According to the ministry, about 240 South Koreans are currently in Iraq, most of them construction workers employed by South Korean firms. They are coordinating with embassy officials on evacuation plans, while drone attacks targeting the U.S. Embassy in Iraq have continued in recent days.
In Lebanon, about 120 South Koreans remain, many of them missionaries, with about half staying in Beirut and the rest in other areas.
Concerns are growing as Israel has recently launched ground operations in southern Lebanon and expanded airstrikes in Beirut. South Korean Ambassador to Lebanon Geon Gyu-suk plans to meet South Koreans there later in the day and urge them to leave.
In Iran, about 40 South Koreans still remain, most of whom have chosen to stay as they have settled lives there, after two evacuation efforts brought around 30 people home in recent weeks.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
