Washington: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has announced the deployment of additional military forces to the Middle East, as confirmed by the Pentagon on Friday. This decision is part of efforts to protect US citizens and forces in the region, defend Israel, and promote de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy. According to Anadolu Agency, spokesperson Pat Ryder stated that the deployment will include additional ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadrons, tanker aircraft, and several US Air Force B-52 long-range strike bombers. These forces are expected to arrive in the coming months, coinciding with the departure of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. The Pentagon's announcement follows media reports indicating potential Iranian plans to attack Israel from Iraqi territory ahead of the US presidential election on November 5. Ryder emphasized that these deployments are an extension of the recent decision to send the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defens e system to Israel and maintain a sustained Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. In light of the escalating regional tensions, Ryder assured that the US will take every necessary measure to protect its personnel and interests should Iran or its affiliates target American entities. This development comes after Israel's recent strikes on Iranian assets, targeting missile production and air defense systems in response to Tehran's missile attacks on October 1. The region has seen heightened conflict, particularly following Israel's offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in over 43,200 casualties, primarily among women and children, after a cross-border incursion by Hamas last October. The conflict has also extended to Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have killed more than 2,900 people and injured over 13,000 since last year, according to Lebanese authorities.
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