The Seoul government said on Monday that it has received a series of "credible" intelligence reports that South Korean nationals may be targeted for attack by terrorists in Iraq. The Foreign Ministry in Seoul said that it is receiving a significant number of specific and reliable intelligence reports that Koreans who enter Iraq for missionary works may become targets for local terrorists. During a press briefing Monday, Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Soo-hyuck also said that despite the government's repeated warnings, a South Korean national had recently entered Iraq for anti-war activities there.
Lee also said that his ministry has decided not to disclose the details or the number of South Korean nationals who are staying in Iraq for their safety. Despite the recent slaying of Kim Sun-il, who was killed by Islamic militants in Iraq, South Korea plans to send an additional 3,000 troops to assist in rehabilitation efforts in the war torn country next month.