Seoul: U.S. troops stationed in South Korea have relocated their Patriot missile defense batteries to Osan Air Base from other U.S. bases, sources revealed Friday. This move comes amid speculation that the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) might deploy some of its assets to the Middle East due to the escalating conflict with Iran.

According to Yonhap News Agency, additional Patriot missile batteries have been detected at the air base in Pyeongtaek, approximately 60 kilometers south of Seoul, where such missile systems are already in place. Alongside these developments, both C-5 and C-17 U.S. transport aircraft have been observed at Osan Air Base. While the C-17 aircraft regularly transport U.S. assets and personnel to this key base, the arrival of the C-5 is noted to be unusual.

The recent military movements have sparked speculation about the potential deployment of USFK military assets to the Middle East, amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. However, it remains unclear whether the relocation of the Patriot missile batteries is connected to the upcoming annual Freedom Shield exercise scheduled for March 9-19.

Previously, two Patriot batteries were dispatched to the Middle East in June last year as part of significant operations targeting Tehran's nuclear facilities, before being returned to South Korea in October. Both Seoul's defense ministry and a USFK official declined to comment on the relocation. The USFK emphasized their focus on maintaining a robust and combat-ready force posture on the Korean Peninsula, reaffirming the United States' commitment to the defense of South Korea.

The Patriot missile system, intended to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at low to mid-range altitudes, forms a critical component of South Korea's missile defense network alongside the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, aiming to counter threats from North Korea.