U.S. ambassador slashed in South Korea

9 years ago | Posted in: Latest Politics News | 733 Views

TOKYO — The U.S. ambassador to South Korea was slashed in the face early Thursday while speaking at a breakfast forum in Seoul, but his injuries were not considered life-threatening, U.S. and Korean officials said.

Ambassador Mark Lippert, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, was cut on the right cheek by a man wielding a blade, according to witnesses. He was in stable condition after surgery at a hospital in Seoul.

YTN TV reported that the assailant, identified by police as Kim Ki-jong, 55, screamed, “South and North Korea should be reunified” as he launched the attack. The two Koreas have been divided for decades along the world’s most heavily armed border.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Lippert was taken to a hospital for treatment. She said he also suffered a cut to the wrist in addition to his cheek.

“We strongly condemn this act of violence,” Harf said.

President Obama telephoned Lippert after the attack to express his thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery, the White House said… see more

source: usatoday

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