After the United States and South Korea announced an agreement to deploy an advanced missile defense system, North Korea responded by promising a "physical response."
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system would serve to counter the threat from Pyongyang, the BBC reports, with the ability to shoot down short- and medium-range ballistic missiles during the terminal phase of flight. In a statement, the North Korean military warned of the "unwavering will of our army to deal a ruthless retaliatory strike," language that's not out of the ordinary for the country during times of high tension. Last week, after the U.S. imposed sanctions against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the move was described as being an "open declaration of war." It's not yet known when the THAAD system will be deployed, where it will go, and who would have ultimate control of it.
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