YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea (ROK) – Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Mike Pompeo met with ROK and U.S. leaders during a three-day visit to engage in detailed security discussions and reaffirm the ironclad commitment of the United States to the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Director Pompeo visited Yeonpyeong Island, to view the contested waters between the ROK and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and to gain a first-hand appreciation of the North Korean threat to South Korea at this past and potential flashpoint. He observed damage from the lethal artillery and rocket attack on the island by North Korea in November 2010.

General Vincent K. Brooks and General Leem Ho Young, commander and deputy commander, respectively, of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Embassy Seoul Chargé d'Affaires Marc Knapper accompanied Director Pompeo during the visit.

Director Pompeo also conducted detailed security discussions with his South Korean counterpart, National Intelligence Service Director Lee Byeong Ho, during his visit.

The CIA director’s visit marks the fourth senior U.S. administration official to visit the ROK this year to gain a deeper perspective of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and confirm the U.S. commitment to the ROK-US Alliance.