Hanwha Group is moving to ensure the safety of its employees and their families in the Middle East. The group said on Saturday it is fully implementing safety measures for local employees, business travelers and their families as U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliatory actions against Middle East countries continue. It activated an emergency response system on Feb. 28.

Hanwha Group operates exports and local businesses in defense, finance and machinery in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Kuwait. In Iraq, it is participating in the Bismayah new town construction project. The number of employees currently staying in the Middle East is 123, rising to 172 including family members.

Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-yeon (김승연) urged: "Employees on the ground in the Middle East must put safety first above all else, and the company should take all necessary measures to ensure thorough safety."

Hanwha Group said each affiliate has set up a real-time communication system with local sites and is frequently checking employees' and families' movements and safety status. It is also cooperating with local diplomatic missions and Korean community associations to support safety measures for the local Korean community, including Korean nationals.