Interceptors from a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, the US military’s advanced anti-missile shield, are expected to be relocated to the Middle East in the coming weeks, sources say, as the war in Iran continues to escalate.
The reported move draws renewed attention to Seongju, a once-quiet South Korean village that was irrevocably changed nearly a decade ago when camouflaged military trucks rolled in before dawn carrying the THAAD system.
THAAD, the most reliable means of detecting and destroying incoming missiles before they could endanger the country or the roughly 28,500 American troops stationed there.
Six truck-mounted launchers temporarily shifted to Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul where interceptors were unloaded before the launchers returned to Seongju. With each launcher capable of holding up to eight interceptors, as many as 48 could have been staged at Osan. The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, reported that U.S. transport aircraft are expected to fly those missiles to the Middle East.
Video circulating online appears to show several Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks moving through the village of Soseong-ri with tarped cargo beds
The single THAAD battery currently based in Seongju is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes ranging from 40 to 150 kilometers.
Military analysts say the vehicles match those typically used to haul THAAD launchers, though the contents have not been confirmed. The footage, released by the advocacy group “THAAD Withdrawal Peace Meeting,” was geolocated to a point roughly two kilometers from a THAAD radar installation and about 230 kilometers southeast of Seoul,
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, meanwhile, assured his country that such repositioning would not weaken the country’s deterrence posture against North Korea.
South Korea opposes the US moving its air defense assets out of the country but cannot dictate the decision, President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday.
Briefing the Cabinet, Lee stated, “The USFK may dispatch some air defense systems abroad in accordance with its own military needs. While we have expressed our opposition, the reality is that we cannot fully push through our position.”
The USFK, or US Forces Korea, commands approximately 28,500 U.S. military personnel stationed in South Korea.
