S. Korea to send troops to Afghanistan

South Korean officials say the country will take adequate security measures ahead of its deployment of troops to Afghanistan. The announcement was made a day after the Taliban issued a warning against the move.

South Korea announced on Tuesday it will deploy 350 troops to Afghanistan's Parwan province.

The Taliban responded by sending an e-mail to media organizations late on Wednesday. It warned South Korean leaders should be prepared for the consequences of their action.

South Korea's Defense Ministry dismissed the threat and said it would step up security for its troops.

Won Tae-Jae, Spokesman of South Korea's Defense Ministry, said, "Our deployed troops will be operating only after our military implements thorough security measures."

The Foreign Ministry has already contacted South Koreans in Afghanistan and urged extra caution.

Won Tae-Jae, Spokesman of South Korea's Defense Ministry, said, "The warning statement from the Taliban was expected, so we will take necessary procedures by continuously strengthening our security measures."

Worn-out military shoes of a member of the Dasan Engineering Unit, South Korean forces stationed in Afghanistan, are seen during a welcoming and disbanding ceremony in Seongnam, near Seoul, December 14, 2007.REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak/Files