U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Friday that military forces will modify their postures in the Middle East following a strike in Iran that resulted in the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
The Pentagon stated in a release that they will be relocating a squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East while also maintaining their aircraft carrier presence in the region.
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Furthermore, fulfilling a commitment made to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden has ordered additional cruisers and destroyers capable of ballistic missile defense to be deployed in the area.
“To ensure a continued carrier strike group presence in the Middle East, the Secretary has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group to take the place of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group, which is currently on deployment in the Central Command area of responsibility,” the Pentagon’s statement detailed.
President Joe Biden arrives at the Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Del., on Friday, August 2, 2024. Biden is spending the weekend at his Delaware home. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
“These adjustments to our posture complement the extensive capabilities the U.S. military has in the region, including the USS WASP Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the statement added.
President Joe Biden arrives at the Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Del., on Friday, August 2, 2024. Biden is spending the weekend at his Delaware home. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
“These adjustments to our posture complement the extensive capabilities the U.S. military has in the region, including the USS WASP Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the statement added.
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This deployment of enhanced defenses in the Middle East follows the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Iran on Wednesday, while senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur was reportedly killed the day before in Beirut.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin smiles while responding to a question during a press briefing at the Pentagon on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Details about the exact locations for the squadron and the aircraft carrier in the Middle East remain undisclosed from the Pentagon’s announcement.
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The statement concluded, “The United States also remains keenly focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and advocating for a ceasefire as part of a hostages deal to bring the captives home and put an end to the conflict in Gaza.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
