1 month ago
11
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin approved measures to enhance US’ protection and support to Israel amidst escalating regional tensions read more
 "Threats from Hezbollah, Iran push US to deploy more warships, fighter jets in Middle East")
After Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, threat of revenge from Hezbollah and Iran has pushed the US to bolster its defenses in the Middle East. Representative image/Reuters
The Pentagon announced on Friday that the US military will deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East to bolster defences following threats from Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
US beefs up military presence
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved the deployment of additional Navy cruisers and destroyers capable of intercepting ballistic missiles to the Middle East and Europe. An extra squadron of fighter jets will be stationed in the region.
“Austin has ordered adjustments to US military posture designed to improve US force protection, increase support for the defence of Israel, and ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” stated the Pentagon.
Speculation had arisen that the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group might not be replaced in the Middle East after its current deployment. However, Austin confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier strike group would rotate in to replace it.
The Pentagon also announced an increase in readiness to deploy more land-based ballistic missile defences.
The move comes as the US anticipates potential retaliation from Iran over the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, one of several high-profile assassinations amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
US concerned about Hezbollah, Iran
Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of carrying out the killing of Haniyeh and have vowed retaliation. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
President Biden, in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, discussed new US defensive military deployments to support Israel against missile and drone threats, according to the White House.
Haniyeh’s death is part of a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the conflict in Gaza approaches its 11th month, raising concerns about the war’s spillover into other countries in the Middle East.
With inputs from Reuters
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
English (US) ·