Dozens of fighter planes, destroyers and a nuclear submarine: the US military is further increasing its presence in the Middle East. It’s about deterrence and support for Israel.
In view of an expected Iranian counterattack on Israel, the US military is increasing its presence in the Middle East even further. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of the nuclear-powered submarine “USS Georgia,” and the aircraft carrier “USS Abraham Lincoln” and its escort ships are to accelerate their transit to the region, the Pentagon said. The aircraft carrier with its F-35 fighter jets is in addition to the “USS Theodore Roosevelt” aircraft carrier group already in the region.
USA strengthens presence in the Middle East
On Friday, Austin spoke by phone with his Israeli counterpart Joav Gallant. According to Ryder, the two ministers discussed “the importance of reducing civilian harm, progress in securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip.” The call also covered efforts to deter aggression by groups allied with Iran in the region. Austin also reiterated to Gallant the United States’ commitment to “take every possible step to defend Israel,” the Pentagon said.
The US military’s 300-meter-long aircraft carriers, which are also powered by nuclear reactors, are each equipped with dozens of combat aircraft, and their fleets also include destroyers and other warships. The 110-meter-long submarine “USS Georgia” can be equipped with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to a US military website.
Possible attack on Israel
Just over ten days ago, Secretary of Defense Austin announced the deployment of additional destroyers with the ability to defend against ballistic missiles and another fighter squadron to the Middle East. In addition, steps would be taken to “increase readiness to deploy additional land-based ballistic missile defenses,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
After the killing of the Hamas foreign chief in an attack during a visit to Tehran, there are fears of an Iranian counterattack. The US is expected to support Israel in defending against attacking rockets and drones. The US and allies also supported Israel in April during the first direct Iranian attack on Israel, when Tehran attacked the Jewish state with 330 rockets, cruise missiles and drones.
Source: Stern
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