Tel Aviv: Israel on Friday used an advanced US anti-missile system, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), to intercept a ballistic missile launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. It was the first time that Israel used this anti-missile defence system after it was deployed by the US in the country in October this year, reported The Times of Israel.

The video of the Israeli Defence forces using the THAAD system also surfaced online. In the video, it could be seen that the THAAD system launched an interceptor. The success of the THAAD would be analysed, reported Reuters quoting a source familiar with the development.

However, there are no comments from the Pentagon on the matter. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that a Houthi missile was intercepted, but did not mention the exact defence system used.

Israel reportedly hit multiple targets of Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, including Sanaa International Airport on Thursday. As per Houthi media, at least six people were killed in the strike.

Video of the THAAD system intercepting Houthi missile:

The THAAD system was deployed in Israel by the US after Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1. As per the IDF, Houthis launched over 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel in the past year.

On Friday, Houthis a missile attack, triggering sirens across Israel. It was reportedly the fifth missile attack by Houthis in eight days. Notably, Houthi rebels carried out several missile attacks against Israel in what they claimed was in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel launched an offensive against Hamas militant group after it launched coordinated armed incursions from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel on October 7, 2023.