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Thaad: US begins deploying missile defence system in South Korea Thaad: US begins deploying missile defence system in South Korea
(35 minutes later)
The US military says it has begun deploying a controversial missile defence system in South Korea.The US military says it has begun deploying a controversial missile defence system in South Korea.
The Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system (Thaad) is designed to protect against threats from North Korea.The Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system (Thaad) is designed to protect against threats from North Korea.
The move to begin installing the system comes a day after the North launched four ballistic missiles, breaking international sanctions.The move to begin installing the system comes a day after the North launched four ballistic missiles, breaking international sanctions.
But its planned deployment has angered many in North and South Korea and around the region.But its planned deployment has angered many in North and South Korea and around the region.
South Korean news agency Yonhap said operations to install a Thaad battery had begun on Monday, with some parts flown from the US to an air base near Seoul.South Korean news agency Yonhap said operations to install a Thaad battery had begun on Monday, with some parts flown from the US to an air base near Seoul.
South Korea has said the system would be operational by the end of the year.South Korea has said the system would be operational by the end of the year.
US President Donald Trump has vowed to thwart North Korea's plans to build and launch an intercontinental missile capable of reaching the US, saying in January that it "won't happen".US President Donald Trump has vowed to thwart North Korea's plans to build and launch an intercontinental missile capable of reaching the US, saying in January that it "won't happen".
What is the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (Thaad)?What is the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (Thaad)?
What impact will S Korea's expanded missile defence system have?What impact will S Korea's expanded missile defence system have?
1. The enemy launches a missile1. The enemy launches a missile
2. The Thaad radar system detects the launch, which is relayed to command and control2. The Thaad radar system detects the launch, which is relayed to command and control
3. Thaad command and control instructs the launch of an interceptor missile3. Thaad command and control instructs the launch of an interceptor missile
4. The interceptor missile is fired at the enemy projectile4. The interceptor missile is fired at the enemy projectile
5. The enemy projectile is destroyed in the terminal phase of flight5. The enemy projectile is destroyed in the terminal phase of flight
The launcher trucks can hold up to eight interceptor missiles.The launcher trucks can hold up to eight interceptor missiles.
Why is it controversial?Why is it controversial?
Many South Koreans believe the defence system will become a target, endangering people who live around the military sites, and opponents have staged multiple demonstrations.Many South Koreans believe the defence system will become a target, endangering people who live around the military sites, and opponents have staged multiple demonstrations.
In August last year, residents of the south-eastern Seongju region earmarked for Thaad had their heads shaved in a show of protest.In August last year, residents of the south-eastern Seongju region earmarked for Thaad had their heads shaved in a show of protest.
China is also furious at at deployment of the system. The BBC's Stephen Evans in Seoul points to Chinese fears that it might be able to see deep into Chinese territory, which could shift the balance of power in the region. China is also strongly opposed to the deployment of the system. The BBC's Stephen Evans in Seoul points to Chinese fears that it might be able to see deep into Chinese territory, which could shift the balance of power in the region.
There has also been an outpouring of anger by Chinese consumers against the South Korean retailer Lotte, which allowed Thaad to be installed on one of its sites.There has also been an outpouring of anger by Chinese consumers against the South Korean retailer Lotte, which allowed Thaad to be installed on one of its sites.
Is China retaliating against Lotte missile deal?Is China retaliating against Lotte missile deal?
What happened in the latest missile launch?What happened in the latest missile launch?
Early on Monday, Pyongyang fired four missiles from the Tongchang-ri region, near the border with China.Early on Monday, Pyongyang fired four missiles from the Tongchang-ri region, near the border with China.
The type of projectile used remains unclear, but three flew some 1,000km (620 miles) and fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).The type of projectile used remains unclear, but three flew some 1,000km (620 miles) and fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the US South Pacific Command, said the launch confirmed "the prudence" of the decision to deploy Thaad.Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the US South Pacific Command, said the launch confirmed "the prudence" of the decision to deploy Thaad.
North Korea had threatened last week to fire missiles in response to the start of the Foal Eagle US-South Korean military exercises. The annual drills infuriate the North, which sees them as preparation for an invasion from the South.North Korea had threatened last week to fire missiles in response to the start of the Foal Eagle US-South Korean military exercises. The annual drills infuriate the North, which sees them as preparation for an invasion from the South.
What was the international reaction?What was the international reaction?
Mr Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have held phone discussions. The two leaders agreed that the launch was "a clear challenge to the region and international community". Mr Abe added that the threat from North Korea had "entered a new phase".Mr Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have held phone discussions. The two leaders agreed that the launch was "a clear challenge to the region and international community". Mr Abe added that the threat from North Korea had "entered a new phase".
The United Nations security council is due to meet on Wednesday in an emergency meeting requested by the US and Japan to discuss the incident.The United Nations security council is due to meet on Wednesday in an emergency meeting requested by the US and Japan to discuss the incident.
North Korean missile launches are usually followed by global sanctions rather than military action.North Korean missile launches are usually followed by global sanctions rather than military action.