In a First, Israel uses US anti-missile THAAD system to counter attacks from Yemen

Israel used the United States’ High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to obstruct a missile, according to British news agency Reuters who quoted a source close to the matter as saying on Friday.  

THAAD was used to intercept a missile fired from Yemen, the source told Reuters. However, there is no confirmation yet regarding the success of the interception.  

This was carried out after Israel countered strikes by attacking various targets on December 26, Thursday, including Sanna International Airport, associated with Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. At least six people died due to these strikes from Israel, said Houthi media.  

Israel used at least five ballistic missiles in the past 10 days. Launched from its central area to counter attacks from Yemen. It used one of the ballistic missiles on early morning Christmas, according to a report in Financial Times.  

In two of these occasions, Israel failed to fully obstruct two incoming missiles as one of them attacked a school while another struck a playground in Tel Aviv which injured 16 people.  

To strengthen Israel’s already capable defence system, US President Joe Biden facilitated deployment of THAAD, an air missile defence system capable of intercepting short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, in October. The President also deployed around 100 US troops in addition to the missile system.  

It is the only air defence system by the US, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, that can obstruct air weaponry within and outside the earth's atmosphere. The high altitude defence system has been improved to adapt to new threats. The US deployed the THAAD system in US allied nations like Isreal, South Korea, Romania and the United Aram Emirates. 

In the midst of the continuous fighting, the Houthis have regularly fired missiles and drones toward Israel, claiming that their activities are in sympathy with the Palestinians in Gaza.