Germany joins UN Command to protect South Korea

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Germany is a new member of the US-led UN Command (UNC) in South Korea.

What contribution Germany can make as the 18th country in the military organization will now be discussed with the partners, German Press Agency cited Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as saying at the UNC military base “Camp Humphreys” near the South Korean town of Pyeongtaek.

According to the German Press Agency, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the move is a “clear sign” of his country’s commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Pistorius announced that the German military would present its modern observation aircraft A319 OH - also known as the flying eye - in South Korea effective September.

“This means compliance with arms control agreements can be observed from the air,” said Pistorius.

Since the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, the UN Command has been responsible for ensuring that the conditions for a cease-fire negotiated at the time are adhered to.

It calls the shots on the South Korean side of the demilitarized zone with North Korea. This military buffer zone was created across the peninsula along the 38th parallel at the end of the Korean War for around 240 kilometers (149 miles) and today forms the de facto border.

Tension on Korean Peninsula has grown after recent military drills by South Korea and the US and North Korean missile tests.​​​​​​​