Austin No Longer Planning Visit To South Korea After Martial Law Declaration

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is no longer traveling to South Korea after the country's president, Yoon Suk Yeol, declared martial law earlier this week in what critics have called a botched attempt to use military power against his opponents.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed the visit was canceled and that there were no immediate plans for a re-scheduled trip.

"Just given the events in [South Korea], it was deemed a prudent measure," he told reporters on Thursday, "and we'll keep you updated in terms of a new date when that's rescheduled."

Yoon, in a shocking move, declared martial law on Tuesday, mobilizing the military on the streets for hours before the South Korean Parliament voted unanimously to cancel the declaration.

Yoon had said in a televised speech that he was mobilizing the military against "pro-North Korean anti-state forces," as he decried opposition parties that control Parliament.

Opposition parties are now moving to possibly impeach the president, with votes expected on Saturday.

Yoon has struggled to enact his agenda with the opposition in the majority in Parliament, and he has also had to fend off accusations of corruption against his wife.

The U.S. hosts some 28,000 troops in South Korea, primarily to assist against the threat of North Korea.