US to Deploy More Warships, Fighter Jets to Mideast

AFP/APP
Washington: The United States will bolster its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional warships and fighter jets to protect US personnel and defend Israel amid rising regional tensions, according to the Pentagon.

The announcement follows threats of retaliation from Iran and its regional allies in response to the recent killings of a Hamas leader in Tehran and a Hezbollah commander in Beirut, raising concerns about a broader conflict.
“To mitigate the risk of regional escalation by Iran or its partners and proxies, the Department of Defense is taking steps,” said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.

“Since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the Secretary of Defense has reaffirmed the US commitment to protect our personnel and interests, including our ironclad support for Israel.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group will replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the region.

Additionally, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered extra ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the Middle East and areas under US European Command, along with a new fighter squadron.
The recent violence saw Israel killing Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut on Tuesday, a response to rocket fire on the Golan Heights.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran shortly after, an attack on which Israel has not yet commented.”The United States is also focused on de-escalating regional tensions and advocating for a ceasefire to facilitate a hostage deal and end the Gaza war.”