The U.S. deployed its THAAD anti-missile system in Israel, and it was used for the first time to intercept a missile from Yemen. This happened after President Joe Biden sent the system to Israel last October. THAAD, made by Lockheed Martin, was activated recently and a source said they are deciding if the interception was successful. The Pentagon hasn’t commented yet.
The THAAD system is part of Israel’s efforts to improve its air defense against rising threats, especially from Yemen’s Houthi fighters. Recently, Israel launched airstrikes on targets in Yemen linked to the Houthis, which has caused at least six fatalities according to Houthi reports. In response, the Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Israel, showing support for the Palestinians in Gaza.
The United Nations (U.N.) is worried about the growing conflict. Julien Harneis, a U.N. official in Yemen, said the airstrikes on Sanaa Airport have harmed humanitarian efforts in the area. This airport is crucial for delivering help to northern Yemen, and if it gets damaged, it will stop a lot of important aid. Harneis highlighted that the airport hasn’t been seen as a military target since 2016.
Yemen is facing a terrible humanitarian crisis, with over 18 million people needing aid. This number may reach 19 million next year due to worsening conditions. Harneis also mentioned worries about the Hodeidah port, an important place for food imports; damage to it could cause great suffering for the Yemeni people.
The use of THAAD in Israel shows a new direction in the U.S.-Israel defense relationship as missile threats from groups like the Houthis become more serious. The THAAD system can hit both short- and medium-range missiles, helping Israel defend itself in a tense region.
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