For Immediate Release
October 4, 2004

Korean Troops Assume Major Role in Iraq

Soldiers from the Republic of Korea have assumed operational authority in northeast Iraq. Responsibility for safety, stability, and civil/military operations in the Irbil province was transferred to the Korean division on Friday. The force consists of more than 2,500 Korean soldiers, many of whom are engineers who will oversee the construction and repair of Iraqi infrastructure. Korea serves as another example of the continuing determination the coalition nations are showing to help Iraq achieve democracy.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense