Tel Aviv: Amid airstrikes from Yemen’s Houthis towards Israel, an American missile defense system battery particiapted in the interception of a Houthi ballistic missile in the Jewish state on Friday.
This marked the first time the system has been used since its deployement in Israel by the US in October.
The hi-tech system, known as Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System, was used to try to intercept the missile. An examination would give concrete picture about THAAD’s success, media reports claimed.
The THAAD battery was deployed in Israel following Iran’s October 1 ballistic missile attack.
Vidos have emerged on social media which shows THAAD system launching an interceptor.
“18 years I’ve been waiting for this,” someone was heard saying in the footage.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military claimed that the Houthi missile was intercepted by air defenses. However, it didn’t specifying which defence system among Israeli and American intercepted wthe missile.
So far, Pentagon has not commented on the interception of the missile.
Media reports quoted unnamed security sources as saying that THAAD intercepted the missile. The unnamed official added that the interception of Houthi’s missile projected strength in the Middle East by displaying US-Israeli cooperation over missile defense, to Israel’s opponents.
Media reports quoted former Air Defense Commander Brig. Gen. (res) Zvika Haimovich as saying that US air defense activity in Israel is unusual because the US has subordinated its forces to Israeli command, whereas in other parts of the world, the US takes charge.
In a First, Israel Uses US’ THAAD System to Intercept Houthi’s Missile world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World Breaking Headlines Today
