Loading ...South Korea to Deploy new THAAD Launchers
South Korea is moving swiftly to install four new Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) rocket launchers on its territory. They will be installed this week, despite protests from residents who have cited numerous concerns over the missile defense system.
US Forces Korea (USFK) will deploy the launchers at its new base in Seongju, some 300 kilometers (186 miles) south of Seoul, on Thursday, according to the South Korean defense ministry, cited by Yonhap news agency.
The ministry stressed the urgent need to mobilize the launchers amid growing threats from North Korea, which had its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sunday.
Although the ministry did not provide an exact time for the installation, a residents’ group cited by Yonhap said it had confirmed the plan “through various channels,” adding that it was due to take place at 2am local time on Thursday.
Despite stressing the need for urgency, the ministry has said the move is “provisional,” stating that an additional environmental impact assessment of the THAAD system is needed.
“There is no change in the government’s position to make the final decision on whether the THAAD system will be deployed (in South Korea) after carrying out the general environmental impact assessment of the entire site thoroughly and fairly,” the ministry said.
Many residents have expressed concerns that THAAD – which is designed to shoot down short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles – will cause environmental and health problems for locals, due to its emission of electromagnetic waves. Others say the system will cause Seongju to become a prime target for North Korean attacks.
South Koreans have taken to the streets in recent months to protest the missile defense system, worried by the escalation of the current crisis on the Korean peninsula.
Thousands of demonstrators formed a human chain around the US embassy in Seoul in June, with protesters holding signs which read “Koreans hate THAAD” and “Yes to peace talks,” as well as banners aimed at US President Donald Trump ahead of his visit to the country.