Park Repubic of Korea Assumes Operational Authority from Multi-National Brigade Northwest
Mosul, Iraq - More than 2,500 Republic of Korea (ROK), Zaytun Division Soldiers assumed safety, stability and civil/military operations in the northeastern province of Irbil on October 1. Authority was transferred from Soldiers of Multi-National Brigade Northwest (MNB-NW) in Mosul to the ROK during an official ceremony held on the ROK compound in Irbil.
"The arrival of Soldiers from the Republic of Korea into this great nation demonstrates the strong partnership between Iraq, Korea and the Coalition Forces," said Maj. Gen. Andrew Farquhar, Deputy Commanding General of Multi-National Corps Iraq and acting commander of Task Force Olympia. "As Soldiers, it is all of our duties to improve our conditions day by day. I know that our partnership will only improve the security situation in northern Iraq, and by supporting the Iraqi people we can help to develop the true potential of this great country."
A large number of the Korean Soldiers deployed to Irbil are engineers and civil/military Soldiers and will be responsible for the construction and repair of infrastructure in the area.
"By assuming the responsibility of the northeast area of operation including Irbil and part of Ninevah Provice, all servicemen and women of the Zaytun Division are well aware of the historical sense of duty, as well as the extremely important responsibility they are taking on," said Maj. Gen. Eui-Don Hwang, Zaytun Division Commander.
The transfer brings another Coalition partner to assist in the development and rebuilding of Iraq. This is the first contingent of South Korean Soldiers in the country.
"I make a firm promise to provide dedicated support and assistance to bringing stability within the regions based on close cooperation, mutual understanding and truthful friendship with Kurdish Regional Government as well as local residents," said Hwang.
Release #041003b
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