U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is sending a “few thousand” additional troops to the Middle East as tensions increase in the region amid Israel’s ongoing attacks against the Hezbollah terrorist organization.
According to Military.com, Tom Crosson, a Pentagon spokesperson, confirmed that Austin has ordered aircraft units preparing to leave the Middle East to remain in the region, while the units who were initially expected to replace them, comprised of a “few thousand” U.S. service members, will now join them.
The increase in U.S. Forces in the Middle East comes as Israel has launched strikes and limited operations in Lebanon over the past several days. The Pentagon’s announcement also comes after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was assassinated on Friday, according to Military.com.
Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokesperson, told reporters on Monday that the secretary of defense has “increased the readiness of additional U.S. forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies” and that the Defense Department “maintains robust and integrated air-defense capabilities across the Middle East, ensuring the protection of U.S. forces operating in the region.”
According to a Pentagon press release, Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to remain in the Middle East region alongside the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit.
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 the Pentagon press release, Ryder said Austin has warned that the United States will quickly respond to any harm inflicted by Iran against U.S. troops in the Middle East region.
“Secretary Austin made clear that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people,” Ryder said. “The United States retains the capability to deploy forces on short notice.”
In a Saturday statement on X, formerly Twitter, Austin said he spoke twice with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant regarding the situation in Lebanon. The secretary of defense said he expressed his “full support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its people against Iranian backed terrorist groups.”
“I stressed that the United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict,” Austin added. “I made it clear that the United States remains postured to protect U.S. forces and facilities in the region and committed to the defense of Israel.”
