THAAD put into operation in South Korea
(VOVWORLD) - The US Forces Korea (USFK) confirmed Tuesday that their advanced missile defense system, called THAAD, has been put into operation.
 Equipment to set up THAAD system is delivered to Seongju (Source: AFP/VNA) |
USFK spokesman Col. Rob Manning said in an emailed statement that the troop confirms the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system is operational and has the ability to intercept North Korean missiles and defend the Republic of Korea. Manning added that the system has reached initial operating capability and will be enhanced at the end of this year, when additional equipment is delivered to South Korea.
The announcement came less than a week after the USFK began installing the THAAD system at a former golf course in the rural town of Seongju, North Gyeongsang province. Local residents have fiercely protested the move, with South Koreans still divided over the issue.