The United Nations Command (UNC) is reportedly pushing to create a new brigade tasked with guarding the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom and managing the implementation of the armistice agreement.

The UNC has reportedly been pursuing the establishment of a tentative "Security and Armistice Enforcement Brigade," which integrates the Military Armistice Commission (MAC)—responsible for monitoring armistice compliance and approving DMZ access—centered around the existing JSA security battalion.

The brigade commander is reportedly slated to be the secretary of the MAC (colonel).

The UNC maintains that it pursued the creation of the brigade as part of internal organizational restructuring.

"Current plans reflect solely an internal reorganization of existing resources," the UNC explained, adding, "This effort aims to improve command and control (C2), coordination, and support systems while maintaining the UNC's preexisting responsibilities under the 1953 Armistice Agreement."

The UNC further stated, "We have continuously kept our South Korean partners informed throughout the entire review process."

However, the South Korean government reportedly expressed concerns over such restructuring moves, citing a lack of consultation.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with reporters at the Ministry of National Defense building today (the 14th), stating, "We have likely discussed and reached an agreement not to establish the UNC security brigade." When asked if that meant the creation itself was off the table, he repeatedly answered, "Yes."

While declining to confirm when he last met with Commander Brunson, he said, "We meet frequently and communicate."

The Ministry of National Defense stated today (the 14th) that "detailed consultation matters between South Korea and the UNC cannot be confirmed," while also clarifying that reports of the brigade's creation are untrue.

Meanwhile, the UNC maintains that the plan to establish the brigade has not been withdrawn and remains ongoing.

(Photo: Yonhap News)