As tensions rise in the region as a result of Israel’s continued attacks against the Hezbollah criminal organization, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is sending a “few thousand” more forces to the Middle East.
According to Martial .com, Tom Crosson, a Pentagon spokesperson, confirmed that Austin has ordered aircraft units preparing to leave the Middle East to keep in the region, while the models who were originally expected to change them, comprised of a “few thousand” U. S. service people, will then join them.
Israel has launched attacks and conducted limited functions in Lebanon over the past few days, which is why the number of U.S. forces is growing in the Middle East. The Pentagon’s news also comes after Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was assassinated on Friday, according to Military .com.
A Pentagon director, Sabrina Singh, reported to reporters on Monday that the secretary of defense has “increased the preparation of further U.S. troops to build, boosting our readiness to respond to different contingencies,” and that the Defense Department “maintains strong and integrated air-defense capabilities across the Middle East, ensuring the protection of U.S. forces operating in the region.”
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group will continue serving the Middle East alongside the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit, according to a Pentagon press release.
READ MORE: Video: US troops deploying to Middle East
In the press release, Ryder said,” This afloat posture is complemented by DoD’s elevated fighter and attack squadron presence, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days”.
According to a press release from the Pentagon, Ryder claimed Austin had warned that the United States would quickly respond to any harm done to American troops in the Middle East.
The United States will take every possible step to defend our people, according to Secretary Austin, who made it abundantly clear that if Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region. ” The United States retains the ability to deploy forces on short notice.”
Austin claimed in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that he had spoken with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant twice about the situation in Lebanon. The defense secretary stated that he “absolutely supports Israel’s right to defend itself and its people against terrorist organizations supported by Iran.”
” I emphasized that the United States is determined to stop Iran and its supported partners and proxies from taking advantage of the situation or escalating it,” Austin continued. I made it clear that the United States is still committed to the defense of Israel and prepared to defend American forces and facilities in the area.