The THAAD missile defense battery is reportedly now operational in Israel, sent by the US military to protect the country in case of an Iranian reaction to an expected Israeli reprisal attack.
Around 100 US troops were expected to be deployed to operate the system, which is considered a complimentary system to the Patriot system but can defend a wider area, capable of hitting targets at ranges of 150-200 kilometers (93-124 miles).
The Kan broadcaster reports that the system is now operational in Israel, while the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya outlet quotes sources as saying that three batteries are functioning.
Iran has been bracing for an Israeli retaliation after its October 1 attack, which it said came in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon last month that killed the top leadership of the Hezbollah terror group, an Iranian proxy, and a July blast in Tehran that killed Hamas politburo head, Ismail Haniyeh.
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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 20, 2024
