South Koreans Protest against US Missile Defense System

Hundreds of South Koreans protested Saturday against the deployment of a US missile defense system, a day after the visiting US Secretary of State reiterated that its installation would go ahead.

Rex Tillerson said in Seoul Friday that the United States and South Korea would "proceed with the installation" of the system, known as Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).

Residents of Seongju county -- where the system will be deployed -- say it poses health and environmental hazards and argue that its presence could make them a priority target for North Korea.

About 2,000 residents of Seongju and a neighboring county, 275 kilometers (170 miles) southeast of Seoul, rallied with banners reading: "No THAAD but peace".

Some 2,000 riot police were mobilized to maintain order at the march and stop protesters reaching the installation site, AFP reported.
 (Tasnim)
18/3/17