Defense Minister Cho Young-kil says the United States will select by the end of this month an alternative site for the planned deployment of South Korean troops in Iraq.

Cho told reporters on Tuesday that Washington had asked Seoul for a 15 day-period to decide on the new deployment location.

The minister also said Seoul perfers a region in the south of the war-torn country, citing logistical advantages, including a shorter supply line for Korean troops. But he was quick to add that a final decision would be made after considering a wide range of factors.

Last week, South Korea backed out of its earlier plans to send additional troops to the northern Iraqi oil city of Kirkuk, rejecting a U.S. request to join offensive combat operations in the area.

South Korea's military contingent, dubbed the Zaitun Unit, was originally scheduled to leave for Kirkuk late next month.