US BOLSTERS MILITARY PRESENCE IN MIDDLE EAST AMID RISING TENSIONS

Tue 01 October 2024:

In a move to strengthen its military position in the Middle East, the US Defense Department announced on Monday new measures aimed at enhancing its defense posture. “The DOD has taken steps to further enhance the defense posture of US forces in the Middle East region to deter aggression and reduce the risk of a broader regional war,” said spokeswoman Sabrina Singh.

Aircraft Carrier and Fighter Jets Deployed
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier fleet, initially slated for rotation, will remain in the region. The deployment includes additional forces such as F-16, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-22, and A-10 fighter jets, as well as support personnel. Singh added, “The Secretary also increased the readiness of additional US forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies.”

When asked about Israel’s potential ground invasion of Lebanon, Singh referred inquiries back to Israeli authorities, stating, “I’d refer you to the Israelis to really speak to their operations or any potential operations.” She confirmed that the US was not notified about Israel’s September 27 airstrikes, which led to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, until the operation was already underway, adding that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was “caught off guard.”

US-Israel Relations Remain Solid
Despite speculation about a lack of trust between the US and Israel, Singh denied such claims. “Since Oct. 7, the Secretary has been regularly engaging with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and that conversation has continued,” she said, emphasizing that ongoing communication signifies a solid relationship. Singh also refrained from confirming whether US weapons were used in Israel’s strikes, advising reporters to seek further information from Israeli sources.

Escalation in Lebanon Following Gaza Conflict
Israel’s airstrikes, which began on September 23, have targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in over 960 deaths and more than 2,770 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Among the casualties are several Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah. Cross-border warfare between Hezbollah and Israel erupted in the wake of Israel’s war on Gaza, which has left nearly 41,600 people dead, the majority of them women and children. The international community has expressed concern that Israel’s actions in Lebanon could further escalate the Gaza conflict into a broader regional war.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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