US to remove missile defense system from South Korea

The US is removing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and other military equipment from South Korea to strengthen its military power in the Middle East. This sudden decision by the US administration has raised concerns about a crack in South Korea's security.

The THAAD missile defense system was deployed in the quiet village of Seongju in South Korea about 10 years ago. It was Seoul's main shield against the threat of a nuclear attack by North Korea. However, Washington has now decided to transfer this sophisticated technology to the battlefield in the Middle East.

This decision by the US has raised questions about US President Donald Trump's security commitment to South Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has directly expressed his "opposition" to the withdrawal of these weapons.

South Korea's influential newspaper 'JoongAng Daily' said in a report that increasing concerns are inevitable due to the country's declining defense capabilities. The government should ensure that the equipment is returned as soon as the mission is completed. It should also accelerate the pace of building up Korea's own defense capabilities.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared South Korea its "most powerful enemy" in February and stressed the expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal. Last week, he also supervised a naval missile drill.

Despite the general panic in the public, President Lee Jae-myung assured the public that the decision would not hinder Seoul's ability to confront enemies. He said efforts are being made to keep the defense system intact through talks with allies.

Source: NDTV