Official U.S. government or military announcements

U.S. THAAD System Intercepts Houthi Ballistic Missile Aimed at Israel on December 27

Dec 28, 2024, 02:17 PM

The U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system was successfully used for the first time in combat to intercept a Houthi ballistic missile launched from Yemen towards Israel. The interception occurred on the night of December 27, 2024, and was confirmed by multiple sources, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). An American soldier involved in the operation expressed his anticipation for this moment, stating, "18 years I’ve been waiting for this." The missile was intercepted before it could enter Israeli airspace, triggering sirens in several areas, including Jerusalem and the Dead Sea region. The THAAD system had been deployed to Israel in October following increased tensions and missile threats from Iran and its proxies. This incident marks a notable operational use of the THAAD system in the region, highlighting the ongoing security challenges posed by Houthi missile capabilities.