Photo: Bernd Wüstneck/dpa/picture alliance
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that after talks with President Joe Biden, he took steps to strengthen positions in the Middle East.
This is stated in messages US Department of Defense.
“After discussing with President Biden the recent escalation by Iran and its proxy forces in the Middle East region, I have ordered a number of additional steps to further strengthen the position of the US Department of Defense in the region. These steps will enhance regional deterrence efforts, strengthen the protection of US forces in the region, and help protect Israel.” – said in the statement.
The minister noted that he had redirected the strike group of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to the Central Command’s area of responsibility. This is in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group operating in the eastern Mediterranean.
“This carrier strike group will further strengthen our forces and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a variety of contingencies,” Austin said.
The Pentagon chief also ordered the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region.
In addition, Austin ordered additional emergency forces to be prepared to increase their ability to respond quickly to calls.
It will be recalled that on October 19, a US destroyer shot down three land-based missiles and several drones, which were probably launched by Houthi fighters from the territory of Yemen.
In addition, on October 19, US military bases in the Middle East were attacked by drones and missiles, and on October 18, UAVs attempted to attack a US Army military base in Iraq.
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Source: The US is deploying additional air defense systems in the Middle East
