On Tuesday, South Korea announced its intention to invest $250 billion in missile defense systems and submarines aimed at deterring North Korea. According to the five year program, Seoul will develop a missile defense shield similar to Israel's Iron Dome. The plan is part of South Korea's planning for its 2022 takeover of Operational Control Authority, which will give Seoul command over all U.N. forces in the country.
On Wednesday, three rockets were fired towards the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. American C-RAM rocket defenses were activated and U.S. fighter jets were seen flying over Baghdad after the attack. No U.S. personnel or civilians were injured, but some embassy equipment was damaged.
Also on Wednesday, Israel deployed its first-of-its-kind laser system to the Gaza border to fight incendiary balloons that have been launched from the strip. The Lahav Or (Light Blade) system will target balloons and kites with a range of about 2 km.
On Thursday, it was reported that the U.S. and Israel tested an upgraded Arrow 2 missile off the coast of Israel in a successful test. The upgraded missile is designed to defend against long-range projectiles, including potential nuclear threats in the future.
Also on Thursday, Saudi forces intercepted two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen towards the city of Khamis Mushait. Coalition forces also shot down a booby trapped drone that made it to the city, with no casualties reported from any of the attacks.
On Sunday, Israel's Iron Dome intercepted two rockets fired by Hamas from Gaza into Southern Israel. Debris from one of the rockets struck a home in the city of Sderot, leaving two people reportedly suffering from shock. The situation in Gaza has turned volatile in the past week, with Qatar ceasing its humanitarian cash infusions to the strip, and Israel stopping fuel from entering and reducing Gaza's fishing zone.
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