US general denies reports; system remains in South Korea to counter North Korean threats.
WASHINGTON – The United States has denied relocating its main missile defence system from South Korea to the Middle East.
This was confirmed by US Forces Korea Commander Xavier Brunson on Tuesday (21/4), citing Reuters who said the move was not carried out for the Iran conflict.
Earlier, a report by The Washington Post in March claimed that the Pentagon had moved parts of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system from South Korea to the Middle East, citing two officials.
The US-made THAAD system is used to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitude and has been deployed in South Korea as protection against North Korea’s nuclear threat.
During a Senate hearing, Brunson clarified that no THAAD system had been relocated, meaning it remains on the Korean Peninsula.
However, he acknowledged that the US did send forward-deployed ammunition as part of operational preparations.
He also mentioned earlier movement of radar equipment ahead of US military operations against Iran in June last year.
Some of that equipment has not yet been returned, but the THAAD system as a whole remains in place.
According to Brunson, internal equipment movements and repositioning to Osan Air Base had caused confusion and sparked speculation in South Korea.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung previously stated that the country is still capable of facing threats from North Korea, even if the United States adjusts its weapons deployment. (DK/LM)
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