US moves missile defences from Korea to Middle East

The United States has begun moving parts of its THAAD missile defence system from South Korea to the Middle East, according to The Guardian.

The system is stationed in South Korea as part of the defence against North Korean ballistic missiles. The Pentagon is also expected to move additional military equipment.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said the United States and South Korea are discussing the possible transfer of US Patriot air defence systems to the Middle East. According to local media reports, several missile batteries could be moved to US bases in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said Seoul did not agree to the transfer of US artillery batteries and air defence units. At the same time, he noted that, in his view, such a move would not fundamentally undermine the country’s ability to deter threats from North Korea.

The US military in Korea has not commented on the transfer of specific capabilities. According to a report by the US Naval Institute, two US guided-missile destroyers based in Yokosuka, Japan, have also been deployed to the Arabian Sea.

(max)