Wednesday, September 28, 2016

U.S. to deploy anti-missile system in South Korea ASAP

The United States plans to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to South Korea “as soon as possible,” a senior U.S. official said Tuesday, according toReuters.

Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of state for East Asia, also told a congressional hearing the United States was in discussions with international partners, including the European Union, to deny North Korea access to international banking infrastructure after its recent nuclear and missile tests.

Speaking to the Asia Pacific subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Russel added that the exact timing of the deployment of the THAAD system was a matter for the Pentagon.

But, he added, “Given the accelerating pace of North Korea’s missile tests, we intend to deploy on an accelerated basis — I would say as soon as possible.”

Asked if the deployment was a “done deal,” Russel replied, “Yes, I do.” READ MORE