US troops in South Korea began installing the equipment for the advanced missile defense system (THAAD) at a site in a southeastern region of South Korea, facing fierce protests from local residents.
The overnight, unannounced operation came just six days after US Forces Korea (USFK) secured the land in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, from the South Korean government. A joint environmental survey required under the bilateral Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is not done yet, state news agency (Yonhap) reported, citing officials.
Six trailers reportedly carrying the high-profile X-band radar of the THAAD system, mobile launchers and other elements were seen entering the civilian-restricted zone starting around midnight. South Korea's Ministry of National Defense also confirmed the start of full-scale deployment.
Hundreds residents in the town clashed with police as they protested the transportation of the THAAD equipment. They are concerned that the area will become a prime target for the North's rocket or missile attacks The Pentagon announced that it plans to complete the process as early as possible in cooperation with South Korea's military.
The allies signed a deal last year to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on the peninsula to help intercept North Korea's ballistic missiles. They plan to put the THAAD unit into full operation by the end of this year.
Designed to shoot down missiles at a high altitude from North Korea or elsewhere, a THAAD battery is made up of six truck-mounted launchers carrying some 50 interceptor missiles, and a fire control and communications unit, which are linked to the very long-range X-band radar system.

Source: QNA