In a move signaling growing concerns over regional stability, the Pentagon is beefing up its military presence in the Middle East. The decision comes as Iran and its proxies threaten retaliation against Israel following the death of Ismail Haniyeh.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III ordered the deployment on Friday, marking a significant escalation in US involvement.
What's Being Deployed
- A squadron of F-22 fighter jets
- Additional Navy warships with missile defense capabilities
- Possible land-based missile defense systems
The aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln is also being redirected to the region, replacing the Theodore Roosevelt in the coming weeks.
Pentagon officials are particularly concerned about attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen and Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq. Both groups have a history of targeting US forces in the region.
This deployment mirrors the US response to an Iranian attack on Israel in April. In that incident, US and allied forces intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles.
Although the US learned valuable lessons from April, this time around, they may not have the luxury of advance warning.
With warships and fighter jets moving into position, the US is sending a clear message: It is prepared for anything. It will not allow World War 3 to erupt on its doorstep, and although it has been a somewhat iffy friend to its ally Israel recently, it will come to het defense if needed.
* The New York Times contributed to this article.