The deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, or Thaad, came after North Korea launched four ballistic missiles on Monday apparently in response to joint naval exercises by South Korea and the United States. Those launchings led South Korea to call for the accelerated deployment of Thaad. South Korea is in turmoil over the impeachment of president Park Geun-hye, who supported deploying Thaad. The United States’ statement said “the first elements” of Thaad were deployed Monday, the same day as the North’s launchings. “We will resolutely honor our alliance commitments to South Korea and stand ready to defend ourselves, the American homeland, and our allies,” Admiral Harris said.

Source: New York Times March 07, 2017 03:20 UTC