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Video obtained by CNN shows U.S. military vehicles associated with transporting a key missile interceptor system moving through South Korea, amid reports that parts of THAAD systems may be redeployed to the Middle East.
The footage shows several heavy expanded mobility tactical trucks driving through a street in Soseong-ri. The backs of several trucks were covered with tarps, concealing their cargo from view.
Multiple military experts consulted by CNN said the vehicles were consistent with those used to carry terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) launchers, although the contents could not be confirmed.
The closed-circuit security video was provided to CNN by "THAAD Withdrawal Peace Meeting," a group calling for the withdrawal of THAAD systems from South Korea over concerns the area could become a target in the event of conflict on the peninsula.
According to the group, the footage was recorded shortly after midnight on March 3. CNN geolocated the video to Soseong-ri, about 2 kilometers from a THAAD radar base and 230 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
The footage emerged after The Washington Post reported Monday that U.S. forces were moving parts of THAAD systems from South Korea to the Middle East to strengthen regional air defenses.
CNN said it could not immediately confirm the final destination of the trucks seen in the video.
U.S. Forces Korea told CNN last Friday that it could not "comment on the movement, relocation, or potential repositioning of specific military capabilities or assets."
CNN also said it had reached out to CENTCOM for comment.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung previously said he could not stop the United States from redeploying some of its weapons out of the country, but said such a move would not affect deterrence against North Korea.
The deployment of THAAD systems to South Korea in 2017 prompted strong opposition from China, which viewed the systems as a threat to its own security.
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