The military and government authorities have begun taking measures to normalize ground access to the USFK THAAD base in Seongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do.



According to the Soseong-ri General Situation Room, an anti-THAAD organization today (4th), around 1:30 a.m. that day, US forces in Korea and military equipment were brought into the THAAD base.



It is said that the import was made late at night as a result of the US demand for night operations.



As the Ministry of National Defense announced that it would guarantee the ground movement and transportation of materials and equipment at all times, it is known that the THAAD base, like other US bases, was supported in a way that it could be accessed at any time when needed.



This is the first time that the USFK and the Ministry of National Defense have brought in equipment on holidays while remodeling the dormitory for ROK and US soldiers in the THAAD base since May last year.



The authorities have been bringing in construction materials, manpower, and household items by vehicle 2-3 times a week so far, but since last June, the number of imports has been increased to 5 times a week.



The government announced 'normalization of the THAAD base' by the end of August and suggested that it would expand ground access to 7 days a week, so it is interpreted as implementing this plan in earnest.



About 10 vehicles were brought into the base today, including construction equipment such as bulldozers, one fuel vehicle, and a van.



Residents who heard the sound of the vehicle and ran out protested, but it is said that there were no major collisions.



The Soseong-ri General Situation Room criticized, "The police and the Ministry of National Defense said, 'There are no operations on the weekend,' and told them to be safe, but they entered by surprise in the dark."



Earlier, six groups opposing THAAD held a rally against the normalization of the THAAD base yesterday at Jinbat Bridge, the entrance to the THAAD base, with about 1,000 residents and members of opposing groups.



As protests from residents continue, the government is expected to pursue a plan to coordinate entry and exit times in consultation with the on-site police at the time desired by the US rather than completely free entry for the time being.



In addition, in connection with the normalization of the THAAD base, the plan is to minimize controversy while strengthening communication with local residents by promptly implementing six resident support projects requested by Seongju-gun, including highway construction.



(Photo = Provided by Soseong-ri General Situation Room with THAAD withdrawal, Yonhap News)