20 US fighters to arrive in S. Korea

About 20 U.S. jet fighters will arrive in South Korea early next week for a four-month deployment, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Friday.

"The U.S. routinely evaluates its readiness and repositions forces under the Theater Security Package maintaining the capabilities necessary to meet military obligations in the Asia-Pacific region," the U.S. Air Force said in a press release.

The F-16 Fighting Falcons will arrive in small groups after departing Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, it said.

Some 300 U.S. airmen will also be deployed at a U.S. air base in North Jeolla Province.

"The deployment of these fighter aircraft...into the Pacific Command theater signifies the United States' continued commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region," the statement said.

About 28,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in South Korea. The U.S. is to reduce the number to 25,000 this year.