The Pentagon moved Saturday to step up U.S. navy readiness within the Middle East in response to what it stated had been “recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces” throughout the area.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the activation of air protection techniques and notified further forces that they could be deployed quickly.
Austin didn’t say what number of U.S. troops can be added to these already within the area.
The Pentagon’s strikes got here after what Austin described in a press release as “detailed discussions” with President Joe Biden.
“These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel,” Austin stated.
The steps continued the Biden administration’s help to Israeli conflict on Palestinians in response to the Oct. 7 shock Hamas incursion.
Israel has since unleashed indiscriminate assault on Gaza Strip, killing over 4,500 individuals.
Austin stated he had activated deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and extra Patriot battalions “throughout the region.”
“Finally, I have placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required,” Austin stated.
Tensions are rising alongside Israel’s northern border with Lebanon after the Israeli military traded hearth with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group amid fears of opening a brand new entrance.
Armed factions near Iran have threatened to assault U.S. pursuits in Iraq over Washington’s help for Israel.
U.S. troops stationed at two bases in Iraq had been focused with rocket assaults Friday that brought on no casualties.
Since Wednesday, three Iraqi bases utilized by U.S.-led coalition troops have been focused in 5 separate assaults – Ain al-Assad, the Al-Harir base in northern Iraq and a navy camp close to Baghdad airport.
Source: www.dailysabah.com