"Drone or missile?" Confusion grows over the identity of the flying object that struck HMM Namuho

\r\n\r\n[Financial News] Government statements have repeatedly shifted over the material of the unidentified flying object that struck the South Korean vessel HMM Namuho, which was stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials have wavered between the possibility that the debris came from a drone or a missile.

According to diplomatic sources on the 14th, the debris found at the strike site will be brought to South Korea for a detailed inspection. At first, the object was widely believed to be a drone, as the remains were to be urgently transported to South Korea. On the 12th, a MOFA official said, "We are collecting the engine remains of the unidentified flying object and transporting them to South Korea." Because the object was described as an engine, many assumed it was more likely a drone than a missile. As a result, drones used by Iran emerged as leading candidates for the unidentified object.

However, Wi Sung-lac, Director of the Office of National Security, said on the 13th, "We do not have grounds to conclude that this is a drone," adding, "If it is not a drone, it could be a missile. Many possibilities remain open."

His remarks suggested that the unidentified object may be closer to a missile than a drone. That has raised the possibility that the engine remains being brought to South Korea could actually be a missile propulsion unit.

Wi also said, "Even if it is a drone, there is no country that would be in trouble because of it." The comment has been interpreted as meaning that Iran would not necessarily be held responsible even if the object turns out to be a drone, raising concerns about further controversy.If Wi's remarks are accurate, it is quite possible that the question of responsibility for the object that struck HMM Namuho will remain unresolved, regardless of whether it is identified as a drone or a missile.
\r\nMinister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun also said the same day that it is difficult to conclude that the Iranian government was behind the launch of the object at Namuho. He did, however, raise the possibility of an Iran-backed militia. Cho said, "There are many possible actors, not just Iran, that could have fired something like this. A militia could also be involved."\r\nBecause the government has not been able to identify the country responsible for the attack on Namuho, various rumors have continued to spread. Some have claimed that the government is trying to shield Iran, which received $500,000 in support. Others say officials want to avoid criticism that South Korea provided humanitarian aid only to be attacked by Iran in return. Even rumors that Israel or the United States staged the incident have circulated. If the country of manufacture of the object brought to South Korea is not identified, such rumors may continue. rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n  rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter