For the first time, the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system deployed in Israel was used to intercept a Houthi ballistic missile launched from Yemen. The missile reportedly targeted Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday night, according to U.S. and Israeli sources. Officials are still determining whether the interception was successful.
The missile launch by the Iran-backed Houthis followed Israeli airstrikes on targets in Yemen, including Sana’a International Airport. The Houthis claimed the attack was in solidarity with Palestinians. Israel’s military confirmed that the missile was intercepted but did not specify whether the U.S.-operated THAAD or an Israeli system was responsible.
Footage shared on social media showed the THAAD system firing an interceptor. An American soldier was heard saying, “18 years I’ve been waiting for this.”
The American THAAD missile defense system was used to intercept the Houthi ballistic missile yesterday. This is the first time the system has been used to combat a ballistic missile. pic.twitter.com/IS7fr3HOeO
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 27, 2024
The U.S. deployed a second THAAD battery to Israel in October to strengthen missile defense amid escalating threats from Iran and its proxies. THAAD is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes and works alongside Israel’s air defense systems, including Iron Dome and David’s Sling.
The Houthis have increased missile and drone attacks against Israel in recent weeks, including strikes on Tel Aviv and key infrastructure. In response, Israel has targeted Houthi positions in Yemen. The U.S. has also pledged to continue military actions against the Houthis as long as they threaten shipping lanes and regional stability.
