S. Korean peacekeeping unit in Lebanon taking safety measures amid Israel-Hezbollah conflict

South Korea's overseas peacekeeping unit in Lebanon is taking safety measures after Israel carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah in southern parts of the country this week, a military official said Friday. South Korea has dispatched the Dongmyeong unit in the southern Tyre region since 2007 as part of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon to help maintain peace in the Middle Eastern country. "The Dongmyeong unit is currently refraining from activities outside of its base and is strengthening its defenses," the Joint Chiefs of Staff official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "We are preparing to make decisions on the situation if an all-out war breaks out in the area." The official downplayed concerns of South Korean soldiers being accidentally targeted in Israeli airstrikes, pointing out Israel is aware of the unit's location. On Thursday, Israeli military aircraft carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon, taking out about 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers, according to foreign media reports. The airstrikes took place after pagers and communication devices used by the militant group blew up earlier this week, killing dozens and wounding thousands. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the explosions. Source: Yonhap News Agency