WorldPosted at: Sep 19 2026 3:33PM


US, South Korea pledge to accelerate wartime OPCON transition

Washington, Sep 19 (UNI) The United States and South Korea have pledged to strengthen cooperation to accelerate the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) of South Korean forces, as the two allies reviewed efforts to modernise their alliance amid an evolving security environment.
The commitment was made during the 29th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD), held from September 16 to 18 in Busan, according to a joint statement issued by the U.S. Department of War and South Korea's Ministry of National Defense.
The US delegation was led by George LeMeur, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for East Asia, while Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy Dr Kim Hong-Cheol led the South Korean delegation. Senior US and South Korean defence and foreign affairs officials also participated in the talks.
The two sides assessed progress in implementing follow-up measures on defence cooperation outlined in the Joint Fact Sheet agreed by the US and South Korean presidents and the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) Joint Communique issued last year.
They also reviewed efforts to modernise the alliance in response to the changing security environment and assessed progress on the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control (OPCON) Transition Plan (COTP).
"Both sides pledged to strengthen cooperation to accelerate the transition of wartime OPCON," the statement said.
During the dialogue, the two sides also visited major defence industry sites to strengthen cooperation in shipbuilding and aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities, and to enhance mutual understanding of key defence issues.
Washington and Seoul agreed to maintain close and continuous consultations on matters concerning the security of the US-South Korea alliance.UNI AAB
Tags: #US# South Korea pledge to accelerate wartime OPCON transition
More News

Russia responsible for majority of sexual violence cases in Ukraine: UN report

19 Sep 2026 | 4:48 PM

Geneva, Sep 19 (UNI) Russian authorities were responsible for the vast majority of documented cases of sexual violence against civilians and prisoners of war in Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, while a smaller number of violations were attributed to Ukrainian authorities, a UN Human Rights Office report said.

see more..

Geneva: Activist raises concerns over rights of Shia, Ahmadi communities in Pakistan

19 Sep 2026 | 3:57 PM

Geneva, Sep 19 (UNI) Human rights activist Khalilur Rahman has raised concerns over the protection of the rights of Shia and Ahmadi communities in Pakistan during the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

see more..

UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, demands end to escalation

19 Sep 2026 | 3:52 PM

New York, Sep 19 (UNI) The UN Security Council on Saturday condemned "in the strongest terms" continued attacks by the Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilians and energy infrastructure, and demanded that the group "immediately cease their military escalation."
The world body affirmed Saudi Arabia's inherent right to self-defense under international law and expressed solidarity with the kingdom.

see more..

US, South Korea pledge to accelerate wartime OPCON transition

19 Sep 2026 | 3:33 PM

Washington, Sep 19 (UNI) The United States and South Korea have pledged to strengthen cooperation to accelerate the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) of South Korean forces, as the two allies reviewed efforts to modernise their alliance amid an evolving security environment.

see more..

Trump tightens H-1B scrutiny, renews $100,000 fee for some visas

19 Sep 2026 | 3:20 PM

Washington, Sep 19 (UNI) The Trump administration tightened scrutiny of H-1B visa applications from employers that have recently laid off or plan to lay off similarly situated US workers, while renewing a $100,000 fee requirement for certain H-1B petitions.

see more..