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As tensions heighten within the Center East amid the escalating Israel-Hamas struggle, Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin introduced late Saturday that the U.S. will redeploy one in all its strike teams to the Persian Gulf, in addition to ship further air protection methods to the area.
Austin additionally mentioned that he has positioned further U.S. forces on “put together to deploy orders,” however didn’t element what number of. Austin earlier this week ordered 2,000 troops to be ready to deploy to the Center East.
The most recent choice adopted “detailed discussions with President Biden on current escalations by Iran and its proxy forces throughout the Center East,” Austin mentioned in an announcement.
The united statesDwight D. Eisenhower and its strike group — which final weekend Austin had introduced was being deployed to the jap Mediterranean Sea to hitch the usGerald R. Ford — will as a substitute be heading to the Persian Gulf, Austin disclosed Saturday.
Austin additionally mentioned he ordered a Terminal Excessive Altitude Space Protection (THAAD) anti-missile battery, and Patriot missile protection system battalions, to the Persian Gulf as effectively.
The strikes come as U.S. navy bases in Iraq and Syria have seen a rise in assaults by Iran-backed Shia militia teams within the days since Hamas militants invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7.
The united statesGerald R. Ford and its strike group was deployed from the western to jap Mediterranean two days after that assault.
Earlier than reversing course Saturday, Austin final weekend mentioned the Eisenhower strike group would be a part of it within the jap Mediterranean in an effort to “deter hostile actions in opposition to Israel or any efforts towards widening this struggle following Hamas’ assault on Israel.”
Hamas’ assault on Israel left at the least 1,400 individuals useless and three,500 wounded. Greater than 200 individuals have been taken hostage, included a number of Individuals, two of whom have been freed Friday.
The loss of life toll from Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza is at the least 4,385, in response to the Gaza Well being Ministry, with greater than 13,000 wounded.
U.S. officers have mentioned Iran offers monetary assist and backing to each Hamas and the militant group Hezbollah, which relies in Lebanon.
— David Martin, S. Dev, Kathryn Watson and Khaled Wassef contributed to this report.
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