THAAD Stays in Korea Amid Strategic Moves by U.S.

General Xavier Brunson dispelled rumors concerning the redeployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system from South Korea to the Middle East, emphasizing that the defense setup remains intact on the Korean Peninsula.

In a Senate committee hearing, General Brunson clarified concerns initiated by reports suggesting a weakening of the defense mechanism against nuclear threats from North Korea. He confirmed that although some munitions and radar components have been moved for strategic reasons, the core THAAD systems remain operational in South Korea.

The commotion arose after reports in March cited Pentagon officials claiming the relocation of THAAD parts to counter threats in the Middle East, but Brunson assured that the systems would stay put. In response to these developments, South Korea's President reiterated the nation's capacity to deter North Korean aggression independently.