Advanced U.S. Military Anti-Missile System Used in Israel

(Reuters) – An advanced U.S. military anti-missile system was utilized in Israel to attempt to intercept a projectile for the first time since President Joe Biden deployed the system in October, a source familiar with the situation informed Reuters on Friday.

The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, was used to intercept a projectile from Yemen over the past 24 hours, with an analysis pending to determine its success, according to the unnamed source.

The Pentagon did not provide an immediate response to a comment request.

On Thursday, Israel struck multiple targets related to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen, which included Sanaa International Airport. Houthi media reported at least six fatalities from the strikes.

The Houthis have repeatedly launched drones and missiles towards Israel, framing these actions as solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

In October, President Biden deployed the THAAD system, produced by Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), in Israel along with approximately 100 U.S. soldiers to bolster the nation's defense system. THAAD is a crucial component of the U.S. military's comprehensive air defense arsenal, enhancing Israel's already robust anti-missile capabilities.

Following the Israeli airstrikes, the top U.N. aid official in Yemen, Julien Harneis, remarked on Friday that Sanaa Airport is vital civilian infrastructure for international aid workers accessing northern Yemen. He warned, "If that airport is disabled, it will paralyze humanitarian operations."

"Parties to the conflict have an obligation to ensure they are not striking civilian targets," Harneis stated to reporters. "We don’t need to prove we’re civilians. They need to demonstrate they are hitting a military target. Sanaa Airport has not been a military target since 2016."

The United Nations reports that more than half of Yemen's population—approximately 18 million people—requires humanitarian aid. Harneis noted this number is expected to rise to 19 million in the coming year due to deteriorating economic conditions.

He also expressed concern over airstrikes on Hodeidah port, emphasizing its critical role as Yemen imports about 80% of its food supplies.

"It’s a civilian facility, there is no doubt about that, and the U.N. works to ensure that any damage to it will lead to immense suffering for Yemenis," Harneis concluded.