Seoul is not considering whether to deploy its special civilian-military unit to Afghanistan, as reportedly requested by US officials, a government spokesman said Tuesday.
"Since we have not yet received any official request from the US, we are not yet even in a position to consider this issue of whether to redeploy our troops or not," Foreign Ministry spokesman Moon Tae-Young told reporters.
Local media quoted military sources saying the incoming US administration hopes for elite military forces capable of self-defense and training, like Seoul's Zaytun force, to be deployed in Afghanistan, reported dpa.
The Zaytun contingent completed its four-year mission in Iraq and returned home last week. The force was praised as a success in providing vocational training to local residents and providing medical services.
"However, we will continue to consider where there are any possible options available for Afghanistan, if it is to help Afghanistan restore itself peacefully," the spokesman added.