Seoul:A former commander of U.S. Forces Korea has cautioned that accelerating the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea based on an arbitrary timeline could heighten security risks and weaken the deterrence against North Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, retired Gen. Robert Abrams, who led USFK from 2018 to 2021, expressed these concerns during a webinar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. He discussed the ongoing efforts to transfer wartime OPCON from Washington to Seoul.

Abrams emphasized the risks associated with setting a timeline for the OPCON transfer, citing potential operational shortfalls on the South Korean military side. He underscored the importance of ensuring that both Seoul and Washington have adequate force and capability on the Korean peninsula and in the region to deter North Korea effectively.

He further warned that establishing a transfer date without guaranteeing South Korea's acquisition of necessary military capabilities could lead to gaps in defense posture. South Korea aims to regain wartime OPCON from the U.S. before the end of the Lee Jae Myung administration's term in 2030, or possibly as early as next year.

The transfer of wartime OPCON has been a topic of discussion since the allies' initial agreement in 2007 for a handover by April 2012. However, the transfer has been delayed due to advancements in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. In October 2014, the allies agreed on a "conditions-based" OPCON transition plan, requiring South Korea to lead the future combined command and ensure it has key strike capabilities.

Abrams also questioned an assessment that suggested South Korea had achieved 92 percent completion in the OPCON transition requirements by 2020, stating that this was inconsistent with the facts. He noted that, while he was not privy to current classified details, there were still several shortfalls.

Gen. Xavier Brunson, the current USFK commander, has also highlighted that political considerations should not overshadow military readiness in the OPCON transition process.