South Korea says it cannot stop US weapons redeployment

US Army Patriot Launching Station during a practice missile reload and unload drills on a THAAD system trainer at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on 6 February 2019. REUTERS 

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday said his government cannot prevent the United States from redeploying weapons stationed in South Korea to the Middle East in the war against Iran. 

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Lee said Seoul had expressed concerns about the move but was not in a position to make demands on Washington.

Local media reported that US Patriot missile defence systems may have been moved from Osan Air Base and could be redeployed to American bases in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Lee said the removal of some weapons would not weaken South Korea’s deterrence posture against North Korea. 

Handout file photo dated February 6, 2019 of U.S. Army Cpl. Rogelio Argueta, Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainer, assigned with Task Force Talon, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command gives commands, during a practice missile reload and unload drills on a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system trainer at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
US Army Patriot Launching Station during a practice missile reload and unload drills on a THAAD system trainer at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on 6 February 2019. REUTERS 

This article was sourced from Middle East Eye.

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