Washington: A Pentagon spokesperson on Friday dismissed reports on the United States' consideration of a U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troop drawdown as "not true," reaffirming that America remains "fully" committed to the defense of South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell issued a statement after The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. is weighing the idea of pulling out roughly 4,500 troops-part of the 28,500-strong USFK-and moving them to other locations in the Indo-Pacific, including Guam.
"The U.S. remains firmly committed to the defense of the ROK and we look forward to working with the incoming government officials to maintain and strengthen our iron clad alliance," Parnell said in a statement sent to Yonhap News Agency. ROK is short for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
Parnell further emphasized, "Reports that the Department of Defense will reduce U.S. troops in the Republic of Korea are not true," dismissing the claims of any potential troop reduction.