Seoul again urges nationals to leave Iran, Iraq, Lebanon amid Middle East conflict
A man walks near a burning vehicle that was targeted by Israeli bombardment in Lebanon's southern coastal city of Sidon, Wednesday. AFP-Yonhap
The Korean foreign ministry on Thursday renewed a call for its nationals in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to promptly leave the countries for their safety, as the conflict in the region is escalating amid fears of a wider ground offensive.
The repeated call came as hundreds of South Koreans remain in the region, with about 240 in Iraq, 120 in Lebanon and around 40 in Iran.
No casualties or damage involving South Koreans have been reported so far.
"We remain concerned about the safety of our citizens in high-risk areas," the official said. "As the risk is rising in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, we once again strongly advise our nationals and businesspeople in those countries to depart at the earliest possible time."
Most of those staying in Iraq are businesspeople working for construction companies, while the majority of people in Lebanon are missionaries. Many of those in Iran are multicultural families.
The official noted the possibility that the personnel or assets of U.S. allies could come under attack, adding that the U.S. and South Korean embassies are located as close as about 500 meters apart.